Russel Edward Kuklies, 40, was killed in Pueblo, Colorado, on Tuesday, June 27, 2023; police have determined his death was a homicide by gun violence. Investigators say the fatal shooting occurred outside the Val U Stay on North Hudson Avenue, and the Pueblo Police Department released a surveillance photograph of two men they believe may be connected to the incident.

Originally from Freeport, Texas (born June 8, 1983), Kuklies lived in Pueblo with his partner, Takima Saint Pierre, and their two sons. He worked for many years as a sous chef at the Windswept Seafood Restaurant and enjoyed skateboarding, karate, woodworking, and following football and baseball, especially the Dallas Cowboys. A memorial graveside service was held on October 20, 2023, at White Rock Cemetery in Ross, Texas.

Anyone with information about the shooting or the two men in the surveillance photo is asked to contact the Pueblo Police Department.