Pueblo, CO – Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office detectives announced the arrest of a Pueblo man this week in connection with the 2022 homicide of 39-year-old Steven Robinson, whose remains were discovered in a shallow grave in eastern Pueblo County.
According to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, 43-year-old Leon Pantoya was taken into custody with help from the U.S. Marshals Service. He was arrested on charges of first-degree murder, identity theft, and theft, and is being held at the Pueblo County Jail.
The case dates back to January 2022, when Robinson was allegedly killed while living with Pantoya. Investigators said Pantoya later withdrew more than $75,000 from Robinson’s bank account as Robinson’s military disability payments continued to be deposited for more than a year after his death.
Detectives first responded on September 25, 2022, when human remains were found in a field off 36th Lane. An autopsy determined Robinson had suffered blunt force and sharp force trauma, and the death was ruled a homicide. The victim’s identity remained unknown until late 2024, when DNA testing and genetic genealogy confirmed the remains belonged to Robinson, who had moved to Pueblo from South Carolina in 2017.
Sheriff David J. Lucero credited Detective Vanessa Simpson for her persistence on the case. “Bringing closure to this case is a testament to modern science and solid investigative police work,” Lucero said.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact Detective Simpson at (719) 583-6436.
