Denver Police Arrest Suspect in West Maple Avenue Homicide

Denver Police Arrest Suspect in West Maple Avenue Homicide

Published on February 24, 2026

Denver - Tuesday, February 24, 2026 - The Denver Police Department announces the arrest of 20-year-old Yeanbraiker Yriarte-Valera (DOB: 12/02/2005) for a fatal shooting that occurred on February 14, 2026, in the 1500 block of West Maple Avenue.

On Friday, February 14, 2025, at approximately 5:15 a.m., Denver Police officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 1500 block of West Maple Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located an adult female victim suffering from a gunshot wound to her ankle. The victim was transported to an area hospital and received treatment for the non-life-threatening injury. A second victim, an adult male, was located and pronounced deceased at the scene.

The investigation revealed an altercation occurred among people attending a party that escalated to shots fired by at least two people resulting in the injuries to the two victims.

Through an extensive investigation, detectives identified Yeanbraiker Yriarte-Valera as the suspect who allegedly shot and killed one of the victims. It was determined that he had fled the state after the incident and was arrested by law enforcement partners in Kansas City, Kansas. The investigation is ongoing to identify and locate the suspect who shot the female victim. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP(7867).

Per standard protocol, the final determination of charges will be made by the Denver District Attorney's Office.

The Denver Police Department is committed to sharing timely and accurate information with the public. However, please note, this press release is based on information that is subject to change if additional evidence is collected and analyzed throughout the investigation. A suspect is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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