Overview
- A 14-year-old boy was shot and killed inside the Montbello Recreation Center on Thursday night, and his family identified him as Mikail Nasir Khalid Payne.
- Denver police say a juvenile suspect is in custody and is being held for investigation of first-degree murder as detectives continue to gather evidence.
- The city closed the Montbello center until further notice and deployed extra patrols in the neighborhood while police ask anyone with information to call 720-913-7867.
- Family members say Payne intervened for his older brother during an altercation, and community leaders and an uncle have organized fundraising to cover funeral costs.
- Local groups including the Struggle of Love Foundation and city parks officials are shifting into grief support and violence-prevention planning, and the shooting is prompting reviews of safety and outreach at youth facilities.