Balloon release for woman killed on New Year’s Day

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — A Colorado Springs family is still waiting for justice six months after their loved one was killed in the City’s first homicide of 2025.

A balloon release was held on Tuesday night, July 1 in Palmer Park for Andrea Martinez, a barber who was killed on New Year’s Day on the city’s northeast side.

According to the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD), on Jan. 1 just after 12:30 a.m., officers responded to the 5800 block of Oakwood Boulevard near Templeton Gap Road and North Powers Boulevard on reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found Martinez had been shot to death.

As of July, no arrests have been made in the case.

“For me, it’s a lot of emotions,” said David Martinez, Andrea’s dad. “It’s very hard, but I love her and I miss her. She didn’t deserve this, not by any means.”

Loved ones gathered at Palmer Park on Tuesday and wore blue–the color of Martinez’s favorite baseball team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Anyone with information on Andrea’s case is asked to contact the Colorado Springs Police Department at (719) 444-7000.