Update
On December 10, 2020, this investigation was referred to the 4th judicial District Attorney’s Office for a formal review. On March 10, 2021, the Colorado Springs Police Department received notification from the District Attorney’s Office that no charges will be filed regarding the death of Martin Rodriguez-Ramirez. The District Attorney’s Office ruled that 18-year-old Xavier Montoya was justified in shooting his stepfather, Mr. Rodriguez-Ramirez, as he was protecting a family member from serious bodily injury or death.
The investigation revealed that on September 4, 2020, Mr. Rodriguez-Ramirez arrived at home intoxicated and initiated an argument with 21-year-old Isacc Montoya. Isacc Montoya is another stepson of Mr. Rodriguez-Ramirez and the brother to Xavier Montoya. During this argument, Isacc Montoya continually retreated from Mr. Rodriguez-Ramirez and attempted to avoid the confrontation. However, Mr. Rodriguez-Ramirez was able to chase down Isaac and assaulted him.
Witnesses describe the assault as Mr. Rodriguez-Ramirez holding Isacc by the head or shoulders and slamming his head against the pavement. Xavier Montoya came to the location of the altercation and discharged a firearm one time, striking Mr. Rodriguez-Ramirez in the head.
Additional factors were also considered such as the display of aggression of Mr. Rodriguez-Ramirez throughout the incident, his continual assault on Isacc Montoya, the lack of alternative methods for Xavier Montoya for the resolution of the incident, and the injury to the back of the head of Isacc Montoya.
The District Attorney’s Office concluded that Xavier Montoya was acting in defense of others to prevent a family member from suffering serious bodily injury or death.
Previous Update
On September 5, 2020, the El Paso County Coroner’s Office completed the autopsy of the deceased adult male. The male was identified as 34-year-old Martin Rodriguez Ramirez of Colorado Springs. While the Coroner’s Office will make the official cause and manner of death determination, this death is being investigated as a homicide and continues to be an active investigation.
Mr. Rodriguez Ramirez’s death is the 25th homicide investigation in the City of Colorado Springs in 2020. The CSPD investigated 16 homicides at this time last year.
Original
On September 4, 2020 at approximately 10:00 P.M., Officers with the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) were dispatched to a report of a shooting in the 4500 block of London Lane. Upon arrival, officers located a deceased adult male with an apparent gunshot wound.
Detectives from CSPD’s Homicide/Assault Unit responded and assumed responsibility for the investigation. Based upon preliminary information, it appears that there was a physical altercation that devolved into a shooting. While detectives continue to interview witnesses and process the scene, they believe they have identified all the parties involved in this incident and that there is no danger to the public.
Anyone with information or who is a witness to this investigation is asked to call the Colorado Springs Police Department at (719) 444-7000; or if you wish to remain anonymous, you may call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.