Update
Detectives from the Colorado Springs Police Department’s (CSPD) Domestic Violence/Adult Sexual Assault Unit and Homicide/Assault Unit have continued the investigation into the death of Elena Alinj that occurred on September 29, 2020. On March 4, 2021, detectives applied for and obtained a warrant for the arrest of 24-year-old Marvin Gabriel Santiago for the charge of Murder in the first degree. During our investigation, Mr. Santiago identified himself as Ms. Alinj’s boyfriend at the time of the incident.
Since the issuance of the arrest warrant, detectives from CSPD’s Violent Offender Fugitive Task Force had made attempts to locate the Mr. Santiago in Colorado Springs and in Florida through their partnership with the United States Marshals Service. On March 26, 2021, Mr. Santiago turned himself in to the El Paso County Jail where he remains in custody.
This is still an active and on-going investigation. Anyone with information or who is a witness to this investigation is asked to call the Colorado Springs Police Department at (719) 444-7000; or if you wish to remain anonymous, you may call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.
Original
On September 28, 2020, at approximately 12:48 A.M., officers with the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) responded to 1411 South Nevada Avenue, the Sun Springs Motel, for a reported medical assist. Upon arrival, officers and medical personnel located an adult female who was unresponsive. Also inside the motel room was the female’s boyfriend. The female was transported to a local hospital where her condition was determined to be critical. While at the hospital, multiple injuries were noted on the body of the female, therefore, officers returned to the original scene.
Detectives from the Domestic Violence/Adult Sexual Assault Unit (DVASA) were subsequently contacted and responded to assume the investigation from patrol officers. The female’s boyfriend was interviewed and a search of the scene was conducted.
On September 29, 2020, the female succumbed to her injuries. On September 30, 2020, the El Paso County Coroner’s Office completed the autopsy of the female. The female has been identified as 23-year-old Elena Alinj of Colorado Springs. Ms. Alinj’s autopsy was initially classified as ‘pending’. On December 7, 2020, detectives received the completed autopsy report for Ms. Alinj from the El Paso County Coroner’s Office. Ms. Alinj died from blunt force injuries and strangulation; the El Paso Coroner’s Office has ruled this death as a homicide.
Ms. Alinj’s death is the 38th homicide investigation in the City of Colorado Springs in 2020. The Colorado Springs Police Department had investigated 24 homicides at this time last year. The Colorado Springs Police Department Violent Crimes Homicide/Assault Unit and the DVASA Unit are still actively working this investigation.
Anyone with information or is a witness to this investigation is asked to call the Colorado Springs Police Department at (719) 444-7000; or if you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.