Colorado Man Arrested for 2022 Roommate Murder, $75K Theft After Pneumonia Deception

Leon Pantoya, a 43-year-old man from Pueblo, Colorado, was arrested on charges including first-degree murder, theft, and identity theft following a three-year investigation into the 2022 death of his roommate, Steven Robinson. Robinson's remains were found in a shallow grave in eastern Pueblo County, with an autopsy indicating death by blunt force and sharp force trauma, confirming homicide. Despite initial difficulties identifying the victim through the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System and DNA profiling, genetic genealogy eventually led to Robinson's positive identification. Pantoya allegedly deceived Robinson's friends into believing he had died from pneumonia while secretly withdrawing over $75,000 from the victim's bank account. The investigation was led by PCSO Detective Vanessa Simpson and involved forensic analysis, public appeals including a forensic artist's reconstruction, and collaboration with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and genetic genealogy services. Authorities continue to pursue legal proceedings against Pantoya for his alleged crimes.