Paul Quince Cortez

Paul Quince Cortez, known to his loved ones as “Pauly,” was a fun and loving 21-year-old Hispanic man with a great sense of humor who enjoyed cooking delicious meals for those he cared about. His grandmother remembered him as her loving grandson, and his cousins and friends recalled a joyous spirit who was a great part of their lives. His unexpected death in the fall of 2010 left a permanent void in the lives of his parents, siblings, grandparents, and a host of other relatives and friends who cherished him.

On the evening of October 27, 2010, Paul had been at a friend’s house in Denver watching Game One of the World Series. After the game, he left and was walking to a bus stop when his life was cut short in a seemingly random act of violence. At the intersection of Bruce Randolph Avenue and York Street in the city's Cole neighborhood, shots were fired. Denver Police Department officers responded to a report of the shooting and arrived to find Paul suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Paramedics rushed him to Denver Health Medical Center, but despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

The investigation into Paul's death was immediately launched by the Denver Police Department, under case number 2010-536913. The killing was classified as a homicide, but the circumstances surrounding the shooting remained frustratingly unclear. There was no apparent reason for the attack, and the suspects were unknown. In the course of their investigation, police became interested in identifying and speaking with three people who were seen at a nearby convenience store shortly before the murder occurred. However, this lead did not result in any arrests, and the case grew cold over the years.

In the days following the tragedy, Paul's family held a viewing and funeral services, gathering with friends at the Macedonia Baptist Church to mourn their profound loss. He was laid to rest at Hampden Memorial Gardens. Messages left in his memory years later show that the pain of his absence has not faded, with loved ones marking the anniversary of his death and remembering the young man who was taken from them far too soon. One cousin remembered not only Paul but also the loss of his brother, reflecting on all the family members lost over the years.

The investigation into the homicide of Paul Quince Cortez is now considered a cold case, but it remains open. The Denver Police Department's Cold Case Unit continues to seek information that could finally lead to the arrest and prosecution of the person or persons responsible for his death. As of October 2014, the case was still actively being highlighted by local news outlets in the hope of generating new leads. No suspects have ever been publicly identified, and the motive behind the shooting is still a mystery.

A reward of up to $2,000 is available through Metro Denver Crime Stoppers for information that leads to a resolution in this case. Investigators and Paul's family are still hoping that someone will come forward with the detail that can bring them the answers they have been waiting for for over a decade. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to call the Denver Police Department or the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers tip line at 720-913-STOP (7867). Callers may remain anonymous.