Padilla family urges El Paso County commissioners to seek independent probe into 2023 shooting

At a March 25 meeting of the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners, relatives of Anthony Padilla and community organizers urged the county to push for an independent investigation into Padilla’s March 27, 2023, shooting death and alleged mishandling of evidence and deputy conduct.

Genevieve Richard, identifying herself as a representative of the Colorado Springs Peoples Coalition, told the board that Kevin McCarthy targeted and shot Padilla outside a laundromat, struck him four times and that deputies who responded “coddled the shooter.” Richard said deputies offered McCarthy water and loosened his cuffs while Padilla lay on the ground asking for medical aid. “We call on you to commission an independent investigation into the shooting, the sheriff’s deputies’ complicity and DA Michael Allen’s mishandling of this case,” Richard said.

Sherry Padilla, the victim’s mother, displayed a photo of two deputies later honored for life‑saving actions and said those same deputies failed to provide proper care to her son. “These deputies contributed to the murder of my son and tried to hide it,” she said, alleging deputies did not apply a tourniquet and delayed life‑saving aid.

Ian Padilla, the victim’s brother, detailed family allegations that an item shown on deputies’ body camera — which family members say was a small ball pump Padilla used to free himself — was treated as a deputy’s flashlight and later removed from evidence. “That ball pump is key evidence to Anthony’s case of being held against his will,” Ian Padilla said, and family members asserted its disappearance could constitute evidence tampering under Colorado law.

Modesto Padilla, the victim’s grandfather, said the family was told by investigators there was evidence to charge McCarthy but that the grand jury declined to indict. “The DA hasn’t given us no answers other than it was self defense,” Modesto Padilla said, and asked commissioners to press the district attorney’s office for further action.

Jesse Prophet, also with the Colorado Springs People’s Coalition, said the family was told by the lead investigator that the district attorney did not allow certain evidence or testimony to be presented to the grand jury and called that practice “spoliation” under the law. “That is a chargeable offense and why we are here today,” Prophet said.

In response, the meeting chair acknowledged the family’s emotion and said the board “has no investigative authority whatsoever” over criminal prosecutions, advising speakers to contact agencies with investigative powers. The chair said constituents who have reached out were encouraged to contact “the appropriate folks who would be in a position to do that,” and called the meeting to the next agenda item without directing staff to open an inquiry.

No formal action, referral or vote was taken by the board on the matter during the meeting. The comments were made during the public‑comment period and consisted of allegations by family members and advocates; the board did not present evidence or statements from law enforcement or the district attorney at the meeting.

Votes at a glance: The board approved two procedural items during the March 25 meeting. Commissioners voted 4‑0 to excuse Commissioner Brummer and 4‑0 to approve the consent calendar.