Two suspects have been arrested for murdering a man and setting his body on fire in Poudre Canyon.

Just before 5 a.m. on April 11, 2025, Larimer County Dispatch received a report of a fire under the bridge at Stevens Gulch Picnic Area (17000 block of West Highway 14, also known as Poudre Canyon Road). Poudre Canyon Volunteer Fire Department responded and discovered an obviously deceased person who was on fire.

Larimer County Sheriff’s Office investigators responded to process the scene. The Larimer County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy and, with the assistance of the FBI, identified the victim as a 49-year-old Greeley man. They determined that his death was a homicide caused by a gunshot injury. Read the Coroner's news release here.

After gathering additional information and forensic evidence, investigators identified Isaac Valdez-Salvador (DOB 11/27/92) of Fort Collins as the murder suspect. They also identified Juana Espino (DOB 03/03/88) of Evans as a co-conspirator in the murder weapon purchase and homicide. The suspects and victim were associated with each other.

On April 14, deputies tried to contact Valdez-Salvador in the area of Rocky Mountain Avenue and Highway 34 in Loveland. When they initiated a traffic stop, he drove away. Deputies pursued as the suspect drove recklessly at speeds exceeding 100 mph, passed vehicles on the shoulder, and hit traffic cones in construction areas.

Valdez-Salvador stopped around mile marker 245 in Mead due to a flat tire. He exited the vehicle with a handgun and ran across the interstate. After jumping over the center median, he was struck by an oncoming vehicle in the northbound lanes. Deputies immediately provided first aid until medical personnel arrived. Valdez-Salvador was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries but is recovering.

Based on evidence gathered in this case, investigators believe the victim was murdered in Weld County several days prior to the April 11 fire. As a result, the case will be prosecuted in the 19th Judicial District.

Valdez-Salvador will be booked into the Weld County Jail on the following charges:

• First Degree Murder after Deliberation (F1)
• Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder after Deliberation (F2)
• Tampering with a Deceased Human Body (F3)
• Motor Vehicle Theft (F4)
• Vehicular Eluding (F5)
• Tampering with Physical Evidence (F6)

Espino was arrested on April 18, 2025 and booked into the Weld County Jail for:

• First Degree Murder after Deliberation (F1)
• Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder after Deliberation (F2)
• Unlawful Purchase of Firearms (F4)
• Tampering with Physical Evidence (F6)

The Weld County Court denied bond, and she remains in the Weld County Jail. 

“This was a disturbing case that started with a lot of unknowns. Our investigators have worked nonstop for the last week to gather crucial evidence, identify the victim’s associates, locate the suspects, and build a strong case that resulted in these charges,” said Captain Bobby Moll, who leads the Investigations Division. “This wouldn’t have been possible without our regional partners and this team’s unwavering dedication to public safety. If you bring violent crime into our county, we’ll find you.”

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the suspects or incident should contact LCSO Investigator Ryan Gebhardt at (970) 498-5586. People who want to remain anonymous can also contact Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868 or www.stopcriminals.org. 

Charges are merely an accusation, and defendants are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.

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Previous news releases associated with this case

Death Investigation on West Highway 14: https://www.larimer.gov/spotlights/2025/04/11/death-investigation-west-highway-14

LCSO Investigating Auto-Pedestrian Crash on Interstate: https://www.larimer.gov/spotlights/2025/04/14/lcso-investigating-auto-pedestrian-crash-interstate