murders in greeley, colorado murders in greeley, colorado

GREELEY, Colo. (KDVR) Officers found a body outside a Greeley home shortly after midnight Saturday. Suspect Marcos Vallejos, 24, has been arrested and booked. It showed the suspect, Marcos Vallejos, enter the store at 5:36 p.m., while customers were inside. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. - A Greeley man was sentenced to the rest of his life in prison this week for murdering a woman in 2018. [10] At 8:15 PM, Jonelle arrived home in Greeley, Colorado, after getting a ride from her friend, DeeAnna Ross, and DeeAnna's father. [21], Pankey gave an interview to the Times-News and said he was being framed by the police because of his sexuality, identifying himself as a "celibate homosexual". She had a beautiful bright smile that could light up a room! On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. That's about a mile from where the attack happened. Evans police learned Greeley police had arrested Jaramillo on June 28 on suspicion of a stabbing. In 2010, the Greeley Tribune published another summary of the case. At his son's funeral, Hicks reportedly heard Pankey say, "I hope God didn't allow this to happen because of Jonelle Matthews. When officers arrived, the store was in disarray with large amounts of blood found inside. At about that time, a car stored on their property caught fire and the burned car "was disposed of at a salvage yard". He said they were planning to leave town the next day for a Christmas visit with family members in Big Bear Lake, California, and had already loaded their car. She was found dead in her car after she went missing from her place of work at NOCO Nutrition. RELATED: 'She was always smiling': Family remembers woman killed at Greeley smoothie shop. According to the witnesses, the assailant who attacked Heather spoke in a womans voice and even blamed the victim for ruining her life. If you need anything, we're here," Bowie said. [21] In 2018, Pankey had campaigned for the Idaho Republican Party's nomination for the position of governor of Idaho. On Friday night, Vega's mother reported her missing after she didn't return home by 7:35 p.m. after she was scheduled to close the family business at 7 p.m. He returned seconds later with his right hand covered in blood before going outside to pull Vegas vehicle closer to the business. Vegas body was inside that car. Jaramillo has several active warrants, but has not been taken into custody for the July 24 stabbing. [21] Pankey had claimed that on the evening of Jonelle's abduction, a rake was used to cover up tracks left in the snow. Pankey told the newspaper that he did not know Jonelle or the Matthews family and had only heard about them following the disappearance. [17], A chokecherry tree was planted in front of Franklin Middle School in memory of Jonelle. Marcos Vallejos, 24, is being charged with murder in the first degree and sexual assault. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. The jury voted to convict Pankey on a single misdemeanor count of making false statements to police, but was unable to come to a unanimous verdict on the kidnapping and murder charges. He laid the weapon on the couch and placed Vega on the cover. He has an advisement hearing scheduled for this charge 9 a.m. Aug. 18. Here is a look at the states where gun sales are surging. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. Police continue to investigate the shooting. She was very unique and had a heart of gold! According to our research of Colorado and other state lists, there were 381 registered sex offenders living in Greeley, Colorado as of March 03, 2023. A witness told police they saw a lot of blood and a hatchet at the business before police arrived. [11], For several weeks after the disappearance, law enforcement placed Jonelle's birth mother, Terri Vierra-Martinez, under surveillance without telling her that Jonelle was missing. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Upon arrival, officers found the victim on the floor of the garage while two witnesses were providing help to the severely injured man. On surveillance, Vallejos was seen moving her body to the backseat of the vehicle. but it can also be stressful. Jonelle Matthews was a 12-year-old American girl who disappeared near Greeley, Colorado, on December 20, 1984. [21], On October 13, 2020, Steven Pankey was indicted on charges of murdering and kidnapping Matthews. The day of January 23, 2007, was a normal one at the Garraus household as Heather left for work as scheduled. [March 7, 1985]: I learned about Jonelle Matthews of Greeley, Colorado. A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. She is being held in Weld County Jail without bond on charges of . , Potholes return to Evergreen road known for problems, Students weigh in on school resource officer debate, Suncor to restart plants, expects late March reopening, Assault weapons ban introduced in Colorado, Makar cleared to return from 2nd concussion protocol, Advocates, community urge lawmakers to act on guns, Twins walking in all 50 states for foster kids, 100s march to Capitol, demand tougher gun laws, Denver weather: Pleasant weekend before snow, cold, Suncor issues warning of flares during restart of, Boeing CEO loses $7M bonus, keeps $22.5 million compensation, Bruce Springsteen surprises shop owner before concert, Man faces charges after LoDo fight victim dies, Ramsey house in Boulder on market for $7 million, New to Denver? Vega was allegedly sexually assaulted and killed. They asked anyone with more information about the case to call Detective Onderlinde at 970-350-9676. He took his backpack but left a piece of paper at the table. March 3, 2023 at 2:15 p.m. Zachary Miller (Boulder County Sheriff's Office) The Boulder man accused of beating another man to death with a pipe in 2020 was once again ordered to undergo a sanity . Suspect indicted for murder in 1984 disappearance and death of Greeley's Jonelle Matthews The remains of the 12-year-old girl were discovered in a rural Weld County field last year The Moving can be an exciting experience. According to a recent FBI report, there were a total of 21,570 murders committed in 2020, the most of any year in the last two and a half decades and up nearly 30% from 2019 the largest annual increase on record. NBC News Dateline: Internal Affairs chronicles the brutal murder and shows how through efficient police investigation, law enforcement officers were to bring the perpetrator to justice. However, Ignacio soon realized his mistake, and apart from breaking up with Shawna, even gave up his parental rights. During the interview in the field and at the police station, officers said that Vallejos made several incoherent or nonsensical statements. The caller said Vega was supposed to close the business at 7 p.m. Before calling police, a worker saw video surveillance and noticed the place looked like a mess. However, unable to get an idea about possible suspects, authorities interviewed Heathers co-workers, who gave the police their first breakthrough. The victim, identified by her family as Angie Vega, was allegedly sexually. Eyewitnesses present on the scene mentioned that the figure was dressed in a dark robe and had a Grim Reaper mask on their face to conceal their identity completely. We love Greeley, we love the community. Greeley Police Department arrested 26-year-old Andrew Sweatt, who police say admitted to the shooting at a home in the 900 block of 4th Avenue on Thursday night. [13] Decades later, Pankey provided investigators with documents concerning this trip, which police said contained "false statements and superfluous details". There were no signs of a struggle or of forced entry. The 59-year-old halfway house counselor had spent years doing drugs before a stint in jail, then rehab set him on the straight and narrow. . About 5:30 p.m. Nov. 27, 1979, two of Kay Day's coworkers on their way home found her red 1977 Datsun station wagon parked on the eastbound shoulder in the 5700 block of 20th Street, just southwest of the college campus. According to court documents, in November, Vallejos was arrested on suspicion of second-degree burglary and criminal mischief, which are both misdemeanors. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. GREELEY, CO - JAN. 28: University of Northern Colorado junior Hannah Simental dribbles around Northern Arizona's Regan Schenck during the Bears' basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, in Greeley. A Greeley detective accessed the interior video surveillance from NOCO Nutrition. The documents detail the rest of the video, which includes Vallejos taking Vega, dragging her on a couch cover to her vehicle and placing her in the rear of the vehicle. The criminal indictment said that he "intentionally inserted himself in the investigation many times over the years claiming to have knowledge of the crime which grew inconsistent and incriminating over time". Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. The tree died after a few years and a plaque inscribed with Jonelle's name disappeared. Vallejos failed to show up for a court date in March. At 1:51 a.m. July 24, Evans police responded to a stabbing in a garage in the 4000 block of Mariposa Lane. but it can also be stressful. Use at your own risk. By Bryan Pietsch Oct. 13, 2020 DENVER For more than three decades, the disappearance of Jonelle Matthews hung over the city of Greeley, Colo., where the 12-year-old was taken from her family's. The police arrived at 10:15 PM and found footprints in the snow, indicating that someone had been looking in the windows. He cut a cover off a couch inside the shop, wrapped her body in the cover, put her in the backseat of her own vehicle and drove away, the affidavit states. During this time, Vega put things away and cleaned up the counter. [3] Her remains were discovered on July 24, 2019, by construction workers putting in a new pipeline 15mi (24km) from her home. The person reported seeing a body covered in the backseat. A family friend said Vega had a heart of gold and worked hard to help her mom and siblings in every way she could. A few moments later, he left his table and walked around the counter to the restroom out of the cameras view. Their father began to worry and called police. She cherished life and those in it! Eventually, Vallejos followed her behind the counter and attacked her from behind with a hatchet. The video shows Vallejos sexually assaulting Vega. In 2007, Shawna Nelson was a former Weld County police dispatcher who was married to a Weld County Sheriff, Deputy Ken Nelson. The coworkers parked behind her station wagon and found her body inside. Once the mystery attacker reached Heather, they ordered her to go down on her knees and began shooting incessantly at close range. Despite the increase, the local homicide rate of 4.8 per 100,000 people remains below the national rate of 6.5 per 100,000. The Moving can be an exciting experience. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Family of Aurora man in police video speaks out, We need a permanent fix: Potholes return to Evergreen, Utah governor says he plans to sign abortion clinic, East High students weigh in on school resource officer, Makar cleared to return 2nd time from concussion, Mercer has goal, 3 assists as Devils beat Avalanche, NFL coach Brian Flores discrimination case going, Rockies among 17 teams MLB may take over broadcasts, Jokic has 100th triple-double; Nuggets down Rockets, Sean Payton tried to lure Vic Fangio back to Denver, 1 dead, several injured in multiple Denver shootings, Best smart home devices for older users, according, How to get started on spring cleaning early, according, Worried about your student using ChatGPT for homework? On the evening of December 20, 1984, Jonelle was performing in a Christmas concert at IntraWest Bank of Denver as a member of Greeley's Franklin Middle School Choir. Lets not have this repeat again,Castillo said. Angie always put her mother and siblings first!". [21], The police announced that Pankey had long been a person of interest in the case. Vallejos briefly interacted with Vega at the counter before sitting down at a nearby table. [21] In 2008, Pankey's son was murdered. On Oct. 29, 2020, Greeley officers responded to a shooting around 3 a.m. in the 1100 block alley between 11th and 12th streets. The caller said Vega was supposed to close the business at 7 p.m. He shuffled papers in and out of his black backpack and wrote on them for an hour. Murders A-Z is a collection of true crime stories that take an in-depth look at both little-known and infamous murders throughout history. Pankey repeatedly claimed to have knowledge of the crime and had asked "for immunity in exchange for information". Interestingly, Shawna was arrested on the same day as Heathers murder, and the police found her driving her husbands truck. Police responded to the home after a caller requested police check on a family member due to getting concerning text messages. [25] The prosecution argued that Pankey's behavior and statements incriminated him in the murder, but Pankey's defense attorney argued that his "obsessive interest" in the case could be attributed to Asperger syndrome. She also said this trip was unexpected. On September 13, 2019, the Greeley Police Department announced that Steven Dana Pankey, a former Greeley resident who ran for governor in Idaho in 2014 and 2018 and for lieutenant governor in 2010, was a person of interest in Jonelle Matthews' abduction and death. GREELEY, Colo. ( KDVR) The family of a 22-year-old woman who was killed Friday night has identified her as Angie Vega. but it can also be stressful. When detectives examined the surveillance video, they learned Vallejos entered the business at 5:36 p.m. while other customers were inside. Weld District Court Judge Julie Hoskins handed down a mandatory life sentence in the Colorado Department of Corrections Thursday morning to 67-year-old Jesus Romero. Connect with Trevor at (970) 392-4492, treid@greeleytribune.com or @treid71 on Twitter. On April 14, 2009, the two-week trial for the murder of Angie Zapataan 18-year-old transgender womanis scheduled to begin in Greeley, Colo. Due to this landmark case's complexities and its significance for LGBT people, it is of utmost importance that media coverage of the tragic death of Angie Zapata be inclusive, accurate, and respectful of a community that is too often . The 2019 Greeley crime rate fell by 9% compared to 2018. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. When officers arrived, they found Vega's glasses in the parking lot and blood on the sidewalk in front of the business. Lets delve into the details surrounding the crime and find out more, shall we? Police arrested a suspect, identified as Marco Vallejos. At the time of her murder, Heather Garraus was 37-years-old and happily married to Ignacio Garraus, a police officer in the Greeley Police Department. At 1:51 a.m. July 24, Evans police responded to a stabbing in a garage in the 4000 block of Mariposa Lane. Hicks claimed to have heard Pankey muttering in response, accusing the minister of being a false prophet. He then leaves and pulls his car closer to the business. Twenty-four-year-old Marcos Vallejos was arrested shortly after and charged with sexual assault and first-degree murder. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. In the minutes that followed, Vallejos made spontaneous and unsolicited statements that he killed someone. Shortly after 8:30 PM, Jonelle answered a phone call and took a message for her father. Police have arrested a suspect and charged him with murder. Pankey pleaded not guilty for those crimes . Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you Trevor Reid covers public safety issues for the Greeley Tribune. At 6:36 p.m., Vallejos followed Vega behind the counter and attacked her from behind with a hatchet, the affidavit says. According to the court documents, the video shows Vallejos going to the counter and speaking to Vega before he sits at a nearby table and shuffles papers in and out of his backpack, drawing and writing on them. Officers searched for him in the area and saw him walking a few blocks away. Seconds later, he was back in the frame without the hatchet. Please enter valid email address to continue. [2] In 1994, Jonelle was declared legally dead. Her family said at work, she wrote a message on every cup to cheer up customers. Officers responded to the convenience store and found Vegas body. [13] She also said that after their return, Pankey forced her to read to him newspaper articles concerning the case. [7][8][9] Her father was at his other daughter's basketball game[9] and her mother had traveled out of state to be with Jonelle's ill grandfather. Therefore, Shawna was arrested and charged with murder. Greeley Police arrested Marcos Vallejos in the death of Angie Vega. Some parts 2023 Advameg, Inc. Crime rate in Greeley, Colorado (CO): murders, rapes, robberies, assaults, burglaries, thefts, auto thefts, arson, law enforcement employees, police officers, crime map. Greeley, Colorado, is one of only four large U.S. metro areas where murders more than tripled in the last year. The victim eventually stopped breathing and his pulse could not be detected, according to Evans police. Introduction. The jury found him guilty on a charge of false reporting", "Steve Pankey's Defense Poses Theory That Another Man Killed Jonelle Matthews In 1984", "Steve Pankey found guilty of kidnapping, felony murder in Jonelle Matthews case", "Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Jonelle Matthews' 1984 Murder", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Murder_of_Jonelle_Matthews&oldid=1140455492, December 1984 events in the United States, Pages using infobox person with multiple organizations, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Member of Sunny View Church of the Nazarene and Franklin Middle School Choir, Jennifer Mogensen (sister), Terri Vierra-Martinez (biological mother), This page was last edited on 20 February 2023, at 04:04. UNC lost to NAU, 62-59, in overtime. He also had a laceration to the left pectoral muscle and several puncture wounds along his left side. Married With Secrets is in Greeley, Colorado, to investigate the murder of Heather Garraus, who was killed by Shawna Nelson, the spurned lover of her husband. Vega's family posted a statement on Facebook that read in part: "Angelica Vega was a Daughter a grand daughter a sister a niece a cousin a friend. An arrest warrant for first-degree assault and attempted second-degree murder was issued for Matthew Jaramillo after multiple parties reported he stabbed a man. John Anthony Silva, 35, was convicted of murder, violation of the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, first-degree burglary, aggravated robbery, intimidating a witness and felony drug. He interacted with Vega briefly at the shop's counter and then sat a table. A young woman found dead in the back of her vehicle Friday night in Greeley has been identified, and a suspect is in custody. Jennifer McRae is a digital media producer. Based on DNA evidence, the Weld County Coroner's Office positively identified the remains as being those of Jonelle Matthews. The Moving can be an exciting experience. Moreover, officers also found a Grim Reaper mask in the truck the accused was driving, further strengthening their case. Jan 18, 2022 Updated Jan 18, 2022. Video surveillance obtained by police showed a 24-year-old murder suspect waiting for customers to leave a business before brutally killing a 22-year-old worker with a hatchet. Officers helped tend to the victims injuries until Evans fire personnel arrived. We want safety, so the powers that be put more lights up here. He then dragged Vega a few feet before sexually assaulting her, records said. The Matthews notified Vierra about what happened and the families became friends. The man saw signs of someone being dragged as well as surveillance footage showing someone taking Vega. Police said the missing woman was found dead in the backseat. "Its really scary to know that she was doing her job and someone so innocent can be taken for no reason, no reason at all.. Officers helped tend to the victim's injuries until Evans fire personnel arrived. A wanted 34-year-old man is facing charges for first-degree assault and attempted murder after a late night hangout ended in a stabbing and severe injuries late last month in Evans. The number of homicides stood at 2. [26] This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Family members identified the woman killed as 22-year-old Angelica "Angie" Vega. Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. Greeley Police said they were called just before 8 p.m. Friday to a report of suspicious activity at Noco. Ketia Daniel, founder of BHM Cleaning Co., is BestReviews cleaning expert. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. She was found dead in. Three people are dead after an apparent murder-suicide in Greeley Saturday. The same tire pattern was found near the crime scene, while the police also recovered a pair of shoes from the same area, which had gunshot residue and Shawnas DNA on it. About 7:52 p.m. Friday, a caller reported to Greeley police that 22-year-old Angie Vega never returned home after working an evening shift at NOCO Nutrition, a health drink bar in the 1990 block of 59th Avenue. "The incident remains under investigation by the Greeley Police Department, which will provide further information as it becomes available," Chief Deputy Coroner Joey Weiner said. The usually peaceful city of Greeley, Colorado, was forced to witness a horrifying homicide when Heather Garraus was murdered in cold blood as she left her place of work. Footage of the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer rattled confidence in American law enforcement and sparked nationwide protests. She said that on their return trip, Pankey "uncharacteristically listened to the radio, searching for news of the girl's disappearance". She said theyre pushing for better safety in this area. A little after 10:30 p.m., police found Vega's vehicle a little over a mile away, near 71st Avenue and 20th Street.