(June 6, 2025) – The Aurora Police Department Major Crime Homicide Unit is asking for the public’s help with information about a fatal shooting that occurred in August 2024 in northwest Aurora.
About 1:45 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, Aurora police patrol officers responded to a report of a shooting outside a nightclub in the 11200 block of East Colfax Avenue. When officers arrived at the scene, they located a man with apparent gunshot wounds. Officers attempted lifesaving actions, but the man died at the scene. He was later identified by the Adams County Coroner’s Office as 25-year-old Rafael Rivera-Velez of Roma, Texas.
Witnesses at the scene told investigators a blue sedan drove into the night club parking lot and opened fire on a crowd of people standing outside. A second victim was struck by gunfire and survived. Investigators believe the crowd was randomly targeted by the suspect or suspects.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. There is no suspect description and no additional information about the suspect vehicle. All investigative leads developed to date have been exhausted.
Detectives are interested in speaking with anyone who might have information about the shooting. Anyone with any information, regardless of how insignificant a tip might seem, is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Joe Moylan
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
AP24-155098