Police said the shooting at Montbello Recreation Center appeared isolated and involved youths who knew each other.
DENVER, CO — A 14-year-old boy was shot and killed Thursday night at Montbello Recreation Center in northeast Denver, and another juvenile male was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder, police said.
The shooting has shaken Montbello because it happened in a city recreation center, a place families and officials described as a regular gathering spot for young people. Denver officials closed the center until further notice and canceled programs there while police continued to investigate what led to the gunfire.
Denver police first reported the shooting at 7:11 p.m. Thursday in the 15000 block of East 53rd Avenue, where the Montbello Recreation Center sits near the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge area. Officers said they found one person injured and were working to identify a suspect. Later that night, police said a male under 18 had died at the scene. Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said the case appeared to be isolated because the people involved knew each other. “We ask the community to keep the victim’s family, loved ones and the entire Montbello community in their thoughts,” Thomas said.
Family members identified the victim as Mikail Nasir Khalid Payne, who went by Nasir. His uncle, Sareef Aleem, said Nasir and his older brother had gone to the recreation center Thursday night before the confrontation. Aleem said Nasir’s older brother witnessed the shooting. According to Aleem, Nasir stood up during an altercation involving his brother before another youth shot him. Police have not released the suspect’s name because the suspect is a juvenile. Authorities also had not released a detailed motive as of Monday.
Police said Friday morning that a juvenile male suspect had been taken into custody and was being held for investigation of first-degree murder. That language means prosecutors had not yet publicly announced formal charges. In cases involving juveniles, many records and court details can remain restricted. Police said the investigation was ongoing and asked for information from anyone who saw what happened or had details about the shooting. Officials did not say whether a weapon had been recovered.
Mayor Mike Johnston said the city was grieving with the victim’s family and the Montbello neighborhood. “No statement can capture the grief we feel today,” Johnston said. “Our hearts are broken.” Denver City Council also issued a statement offering sympathy to the victim’s family, Montbello residents, young people and recreation center staff. Jolon Clark, executive director of Denver Parks and Recreation, said recreation centers are community gathering places where young people learn, grow and spend time with family.
Nasir’s family described him as respectful, kind and close to his community. Aleem said his nephew was one month away from turning 15 and had helped with a family landscaping business. He also sold perfume oils in the neighborhood and at a nearby car wash, Aleem said. Imam Abdur-Rahim Ali said Nasir often came to services and was known as a respectful youth. “He was well-mannered, courteous, excellent character,” Ali said.
The Montbello Recreation Center remained closed Monday, May 25, with programs temporarily canceled. Police had not announced additional arrests or a public court date. The next major step is a charging decision by prosecutors as investigators continue reviewing evidence and witness accounts.
Author note: Last updated May 25, 2026.