Summary

In September 2022, the skeletal remains of an unknown individual were discovered in a shallow grave on private property in the 3500 block of 36th Street, a rural area of Avondale, Colorado. Avondale is a small town located about 15 miles east of Pueblo in Pueblo County. A forensic anthropologist examined the remains and determined they likely belonged to a male of European ancestry. The man was estimated to be between 40 and 60 years old and was likely 5'8" to 5'10" tall.

An autopsy determined the man suffered blunt force and sharp force trauma, and his death was ruled a homicide. A composite sketch depicting the man's likeness was developed and released to the public in hopes that it would assist in his identification. Despite the efforts of investigators, the man could not be identified and details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP97796.

In 2024, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas, to determine if advanced DNA testing could identify the man. At Othram, scientists successfully developed a DNA profile for the John Doe using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®. After successfully building the profile, it was delivered to Colorado Bureau of Investigation's forensic genetic genealogy team so that new leads in the case could be developed.

Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted, which led to the positive identification of the man, who is now known to be 39-year-old South Carolina native, Steven Robinson. Robinson moved to Pueblo, Colorado in 2017.

Following Steven Robinson's identification, investigators focused on finding the person responsible for killing him. At the time of his death in early January 2022, Robinson lived with a man named Leon Pantoya. Pantoya told Robinson's friends and family that he had died due to pneumonia, when in fact, Steven Robinson was murdered by him and buried his family's property. Detectives learned that following Steven Robinson's death, Pantoya withdrew more than $75,000 from Robinson's bank account.

Investigators have now arrested 43-year-old Leon Pantoya who is charged with first-degree murder, identity theft, and theft. Pantoya was booked into the Pueblo County Jail and is being held without bail.

The identification of Steven Robinson represents the seventh case in the State of Colorado where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. To see other Colorado cases, please see the interactive map at DNASolves.