Franklin Bruner Jr., 46, was found shot to death at his home on Berkley Avenue in Pueblo, Colorado, on the night of July 29, 2023. Police discovered Bruner and his dog, Champ, both with multiple gunshot wounds; Bruner was pronounced dead at the scene and Champ was later humanely euthanized due to injuries. Bruner was an independent contractor, member of the Black Sheep Bicycle Club, and enjoyed motorcycling, cookouts, surfing, boating and building things.

He was born in Hartford, Connecticut and is survived by his mother and sister; family said he had been trying to help a longtime friend get sober that summer. Authorities identified 43-year-old Robert James Rudichar as the suspect; he was located in Las Vegas, New Mexico, after firing an AK-47 style rifle at officers during an unrelated traffic stop and later surrendered. Colorado issued a warrant charging him with first-degree murder and cruelty to animals in connection with Bruner’s and Champ’s deaths.

Does anyone have information about Franklin’s final hours or contacts in Pueblo on July 29, 2023?