Victim Fatally Shot in Broad Daylight at Parkhill Business Centre on East Pikes Peak Avenue: Colorado Springs Police Launch Homicide Investigation into May 16, 2025, Business Complex Shooting That Left Community Shaken
Victim Fatally Shot in Broad Daylight at Parkhill Business Centre on East Pikes Peak Avenue: Colorado Springs Police Launch Homicide Investigation into May 16, 2025, Business Complex Shooting That Left Community Shaken
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — A deadly shooting unfolded in broad daylight on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Parkhill Business Centre in Colorado Springs, sending shockwaves through the local business community and igniting an urgent investigation by the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD). The incident, which took place around 2:40 p.m. in the 2800 block of East Pikes Peak Avenue, just east of Memorial Park, has been classified as a homicide. The victim, who has not yet been publicly identified, was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving measures from first responders.
As details emerge, police are working tirelessly to determine the motive, timeline, and individuals involved in what they are calling a targeted attack. No arrests have been made, and the assailant or assailants remain at large.
Witnesses say the Parkhill Business Centre, typically bustling with activity from small offices, wellness centers, and professional services, was thrown into chaos when the sound of multiple gunshots rang out in the early afternoon. Workers and clients inside nearby businesses described a scene of panic and confusion, with some locking doors and others taking shelter behind furniture.
“I heard four, maybe five shots,” said DeShawn Lewis, who works at a tax preparation office inside the complex. “It was fast. People were running. It didn’t feel real.”
CSPD officers responded to a 911 call within minutes. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim unresponsive with apparent gunshot wounds outside one of the complex’s buildings. Emergency medical personnel attempted to revive the individual but were ultimately unsuccessful. The victim was declared deceased at the scene.
The identity of the victim has not been released pending notification of next of kin. Authorities have not specified whether the victim was a business owner, employee, client, or passerby. However, initial reports suggest the shooting was not random and that the victim may have been specifically targeted.
Police Response and Active Investigation
The area surrounding the business center was quickly locked down. Yellow crime scene tape cordoned off multiple sections of the parking lot, while a significant police presence — including homicide detectives, forensic technicians, and uniformed officers — spread out across the complex.
Police began conducting door-to-door interviews, collecting surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and marking ballistic evidence, including multiple shell casings found on the ground. Detectives remained at the scene for several hours, combing the area for any physical evidence or eyewitnesses who could offer insight into the shooter’s identity and direction of escape.
In a press briefing held Friday evening, CSPD Public Information Officer Lisa Loring confirmed that no suspects were in custody and that investigators were pursuing multiple leads:
“This is an active and ongoing homicide investigation. We are asking anyone who was in the area between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. and may have witnessed anything unusual — even if it seems insignificant — to contact detectives. We believe someone out there has information that could be vital.”
A Quiet Area Rattled by Violence
The Parkhill Business Centre, located just east of Memorial Park and adjacent to residential neighborhoods, is not typically associated with violent crime. The business plaza is home to a mix of small law firms, wellness clinics, financial services, and community organizations. Locals described it as a quiet, safe environment where business owners often knew each other by name.
Friday’s shooting has therefore shocked nearby residents and workers alike. By late afternoon, rumors circulated about what might have triggered the attack, but police have cautioned the public against speculation.
“This area is supposed to be calm,” said Marissa Ortega, who owns a nail salon nearby. “We’ve never had anything like this. Now everyone’s scared. We don’t know if it was a client, a robbery, or something worse.”
As panic turned to grief, several people gathered at the scene to light candles and place flowers along the sidewalk — though many admitted they still didn’t know who had been killed.
Victim Remains Unidentified: Questions Loom
As of the latest update, the identity of the victim had not yet been released, in accordance with CSPD protocol. The Coroner’s Office is conducting an autopsy, which is expected to confirm the exact cause of death and potentially reveal new details about the incident.
Police have also declined to comment on whether the victim was known to law enforcement or had any recent disputes that could be relevant to the investigation.
In the absence of clear information, speculation has grown. Some local business owners have voiced concerns that rising tensions related to finances, personal disputes, or gang-related activity may be at play — though there is no confirmed link to gang violence at this time.
Community Calls for Safety, Transparency, and Support
The sudden eruption of violence has prompted broader concerns about public safety, especially in business districts where civilians expect — and rely on — a secure environment. City officials, business associations, and community leaders have begun issuing statements of solidarity and support for affected individuals.
Colorado Springs City Councilmember Natasha Hill said in a statement:
“We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the events that occurred today at Parkhill Business Centre. We mourn the loss of life and offer our support to those impacted. We will work closely with law enforcement to ensure accountability and safety for all.”
The Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce has also offered resources to businesses affected by the shooting, including trauma counseling services, temporary security consultations, and emergency grant funding if needed.
Crime Trends in Colorado Springs: Context and Concerns
This incident adds to a growing number of gun-related homicides in Colorado Springs in 2025. As of mid-May, this marks the eighth homicide investigation of the year in the city — a concerning figure for residents and law enforcement alike.
While overall violent crime in Colorado Springs has fluctuated year to year, police data show that shootings in business and public spaces have become more common, prompting new strategies from CSPD aimed at increasing patrols, enhancing surveillance networks, and expanding community-police partnerships.
Despite these efforts, Friday’s deadly shooting underscores the unpredictability and devastating impact of firearm-related violence, even in areas traditionally viewed as low-risk.
Police Seek Help from the Public
As the investigation moves forward, CSPD is emphasizing the critical role of public assistance. Detectives believe that witnesses, dashcam footage from passing vehicles, or security footage from businesses in the area could yield important clues.
Anyone who was in or near the 2800 block of East Pikes Peak Avenue around the time of the shooting is urged to come forward. Individuals can contact the CSPD Violent Crimes Section directly or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 719-634-STOP (7867). Callers may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.
Awaiting Answers, Mourning Loss
As the community awaits the release of the victim’s name and further details from the ongoing police investigation, one thing is certain: a life was lost in a senseless act of violence that has left a scar on Colorado Springs. While the motive remains unclear, and the suspect remains unidentified, the emotional toll is already being felt across the city.
Whether the victim was a business professional, visitor, or passerby, their death has ignited a shared sense of grief, fear, and a hunger for justice.
Colorado Springs Police are expected to release additional information — including the victim’s identity, potential suspect leads, and investigative progress — in the coming days. In the meantime, local officials are urging residents to remain calm but vigilant, report suspicious activity, and support one another during a time of uncertainty.
Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to contact the Colorado Springs Police Department Violent Crimes Unit at 719-444-7000 or Crime Stoppers at 719-634-STOP (7867). Anonymous tips are welcomed and may qualify for a reward.