The family of a Fort Carson soldier who was shot and killed near his Denver motel early Saturday, launched a plea for help in uncovering details about his death.
Anthony Silva, 25, was found shot to death at the north end of the 3800 block of Paris Street, near the Motel 6 where he was staying.
Today, Silva’s family asked anyone with information about his death to come forward.
Silva, a specialist stationed at Fort Carson, was planning to meet his father, Dave Silva, at the hotel Saturday morning before the two drove back to Silva’s hometown of Columbia, Ill.
“I came here expecting a road trip home with a great young man,” Dave Silva said. “He had his whole life ahead of him and it was stolen from him and us.”
Denver police revealed few new details about the investigation and said they had little information about the motive behind the shooting.
“This is a horrific event,” said Capt. Ron Saunier.
Anthony Silva was last seen walking his dog and cat near the motel earlier that evening, but police do not believe the animals were with him when he was shot.
Silva, Tony to his friends and family, completed a tour in Korea before re-enlisting in hopes of being deployed to Afghanistan, but a back injury prevented him from doing so, said Diane Silva, Anthony Silva’s mother.
Silva said her son was placed on leave on Thursday and would have been medically discharged in August.
Silva was part of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
“He was starting his life as a civilian,” said Diane Silva said. “It’s so sad because it’s the end instead of the beginning.”
Silva said that friends and family are working to increase the $2,000 reward being offered for information.
“We’re not going to let this go,” Silva said.
Tonight, the Silva family will return to Columbia, where American flags have been draped along main street for Anthony Silva’s homecoming on Thursday.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 720-913-2000 or Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
Jordan Steffen: 303-954-1794 or jsteffen@denverpost.com
