Homicides are rising at a record pace in the United States. A customer also told her someone broke into the business and there was blood on the floor. All data in this story is at the metro area level from the FBI. 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. 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. Murder of Jonelle Matthews - Wikipedia The person reported seeing a body covered in the backseat. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. However, once she clocked out and was about to return home, a dark figure approached her in the parking lot. [14] She was mentioned in the Congressional Record for the United States House of Representatives on April 2, 1985, page 7224. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. The 2019 crime rate in Greeley, CO is 233 (City-Data.com crime index), which is comparable to the U.S. average. Suspect Marcos Vallejos, 24, has been arrested and booked. Moreover, the people who saw the murder also claimed that the killer showed no compassion, and it seemed like a personal attack. [13] Hicks said they returned to Greeley on December 26 and that Pankey took an unusual interest in the disappearance. 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. 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. A Greeley detective accessed the interior video surveillance from NOCO Nutrition. The number of homicides stood at 2. 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. / CBS Colorado. 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 . At 6:25 p.m., Vallejos got up from his table and walked to the restroom. She had goals and loved adventures! Jonelle Matthews case: Suspect indicted for murder in 1984 Greeley cold Apparent murder-suicide in Greeley leaves 3 dead | 9news.com Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Greeley is 273 to 1. Officers found three people dead inside the home. 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. Suspect Marcos Vallejos, 24, has been arrested and booked. Vallejos failed to show up for a court date in March. Officers responded to the store and found Vegas glasses in the parking lot, as well as blood on the sidewalk near the front entrance. [21] Pankey had claimed that on the evening of Jonelle's abduction, a rake was used to cover up tracks left in the snow. [21], On October 13, 2020, Steven Pankey was indicted on charges of murdering and kidnapping Matthews. In metropolitan areas across the country, the increase in homicides last year eclipsed the national surge in some cases, many times over. [13], A few months following Jonelle's disappearance, Pankey attended a church service where a minister claimed that Jonelle would be found safe. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. According to the Greeley Police Department (GPD), officers were called to the 4900 block of 23rd Street Road just. Pankey pleaded not guilty for those crimes . [13] Decades later, Pankey provided investigators with documents concerning this trip, which police said contained "false statements and superfluous details". 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. - A Greeley man was sentenced to the rest of his life in prison this week for murdering a woman in 2018. Angie always put her mother and siblings first!". Twenty-four-year-old Marcos Vallejos was arrested shortly after and charged with sexual assault and first-degree murder. Shawna Louise Nelson Killed Her Lover's Wife, Tried To Blame Her According to the witnesses, the assailant who attacked Heather spoke in a womans voice and even blamed the victim for ruining her life. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. Pankey's trial began on Thursday, October 14, 2021, ultimately ending in a mistrial on November 4, 2021, due to a hung jury. Mogensen's father was reportedly "especially excited to see justice". On Monday, Weld Judge Vincente Vigil imposed the maximum sentence of 60 years in the . When officers arrived, they found Vega's glasses in the parking lot and blood on the sidewalk in front of the business. According to the arrest affidavit, Vega's mother told police that the business looked like a mess from the surveillance footage and she had also received a call from a customer that the business had experienced a break-in and that there was blood on the floor. The affidavit says he was out of camera view. Randy Baker had already been through hard times and was fighting for his life when he was shot dead just inside his Greeley, Colorado home in June 2017. The victim eventually stopped breathing and his pulse could not be detected, according to Evans police. In 2007, Shawna Nelson was a former Weld County police dispatcher who was married to a Weld County Sheriff, Deputy Ken Nelson. The staff at CBS News Colorado is Covering Colorado First. "She was part of our community.". [22][23], On October 13, 2020, Pankey was indicted on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in Jonelle's death. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. About 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Greeley police responded to a home in the 4900 block of 23rd Street Road, where they found three people shot dead: Richard Kraus, 83, Patricia Kraus, 80, and Alan Kraus, 61, all of Greeley. Lets not have this repeat again,Castillo said. Footage of the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer rattled confidence in American law enforcement and sparked nationwide protests. Jan 18, 2022 Updated Jan 18, 2022. Firearms sales soared, and tens of millions of new guns proliferated across communities nationwide. New information from Greeley police has revealed some gruesome details about the sexual assault and murder of Angelica 'Angie' Vega. 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. [17], A chokecherry tree was planted in front of Franklin Middle School in memory of Jonelle. Just after 6:15 p.m., the last customer left the store, leaving Vega alone inside with Vallejos, the affidavit says. Pankey told the newspaper that he did not know Jonelle or the Matthews family and had only heard about them following the disappearance. The video shows Vallejos sexually assaulting Vega. With snow on the ground, Jonelle's father thought it unlikely that she would go far without shoes. "We're here for you. "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.. First published on August 30, 2022 / 1:01 PM. Arrest affidavit reveals timeline of gruesome sexual assault, murder in "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. [15] As recently as 2018, Greeley Police had been re-contacting witnesses and applying the latest forensic advances in their investigation. She was found dead in her car after she went missing from her place of work at NOCO Nutrition. 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. but it can also be stressful. We want safety, so the powers that be put more lights up here. Jaramillo has several active warrants, but has not been taken into custody for the July 24 stabbing. Records indicate he struck her in the head and delivered numerous blows. Man Charged With Murder in 1984 Killing of Colorado Girl Taken From But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. Upon arrival, officers found the victim on the floor of the garage while two witnesses were providing help to the severely injured man. While Vega was motionless on the floor, Vallejos laid the weapon on the counter and walked back toward the restroom and office area. He laid the weapon on the couch and placed Vega on the cover. [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. There were no signs of a struggle or of forced entry. [12][13], The disappearance attracted interest from the public, including the president of the United States and members of Congress. At his son's funeral, Hicks reportedly heard Pankey say, "I hope God didn't allow this to happen because of Jonelle Matthews. Police said the investigation is still ongoing. Vegas body was inside that car. Police responded to the home after a caller requested police check on a family member due to getting concerning text messages. 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. [5] After, Vallejos removed a dark-colored cover from a nearby couch using the hatchet. 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 2019 Greeley crime rate fell by 9% compared to 2018. Just before 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Greeley police were asked to do a well-being check on a family at a home in the 4900 block of 23rd Street Road after concerning text messages were received, a police spokesperson said. As a result, she was sentenced to life in prison in 2008 and still remains behind bars at the Denver Womens Correctional Facility in Denver, Colorado. [March 7, 1985]: I learned about Jonelle Matthews of Greeley, Colorado. She was very unique and had a heart of gold! Interestingly, Shawna was arrested on the same day as Heathers murder, and the police found her driving her husbands truck. The Matthews notified Vierra about what happened and the families became friends. Officers responded to the convenience store and found Vegas body. 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. [4] Steven Pankey was sentenced to life imprisonment on October 31, 2022, after his arrest in 2020. He then dragged Vega a few feet before sexually assaulting her, records said. Police said Saturday they were investigating incident as possible murder-suicide, Yellow crime tape blocks off an area. 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. Our top 10 tips from residents, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Jaramillo and the victim went outside to talk, according to records, when the victim returned to the garage holding his neck and saying he had been stabbed. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The last customer left at 6:13 p.m. and drove away at 6:16 p.m. Less than 10 minutes later, at 6:25 p.m., police said that the video shows Vallejos walking away from the table with his backpack but leaving a sheet of paper on the table. However, Ignacio soon realized his mistake, and apart from breaking up with Shawna, even gave up his parental rights. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. Greeley resident Leandra Walker never met Vega or her family, but she left flowers and a poem at the store. That's about a mile from where the attack happened. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. The man saw signs of someone being dragged as well as surveillance footage showing someone taking Vega. Crime rate in Greeley, CO - City-Data Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. Pankey repeatedly claimed to have knowledge of the crime and had asked "for immunity in exchange for information". 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 Officers helped tend to the victims injuries until Evans fire personnel arrived. If you need anything, we're here," Bowie said. He interacted with Vega briefly at the shop's counter and then sat a table. GREELEY, Colo. Content Warning: This article includes topics that may be sensitive for some readers, including sexual assault. Upon arrival, officers found the victim on the floor of the garage while two witnesses were providing help to the severely injured man. When officers arrived at the business, they found Vega's glasses and a lot of blood, along with her finger. People who knew her described her as a wonderful and kind individual who welcomed everyone with a smile and was always ready to extend a helping hand. Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. The coworkers parked behind her station wagon and found her body inside. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. She found it on the job, working as a 911 dispatcher, and falling in love with Sheriff's deputy Ken Nelson. The tree died after a few years and a plaque inscribed with Jonelle's name disappeared. Jonelle was adopted in March 1972 by James "Jim" and Gloria Matthews, a married couple with a daughter, living in Greeley, Colorado. When officers arrived, they found a wounded man on the ground with. UNC lost to NAU, 62-59, in overtime. [3] Her remains were discovered on July 24, 2019, by construction workers putting in a new pipeline 15mi (24km) from her home. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Radin at (970) 350-9671. [13] She also said that after their return, Pankey forced her to read to him newspaper articles concerning the case. Vallejos shuffled papers in and out of his backpack, drawing and writing on them, for nearly an hour. Police responded to the convenience store and found the victim, later identified as Vega, deceased at 10:59 p.m. Vallejos was eventually found walking near the convenience store with the victim's car keys and a single sheet of paper. Family members identified the woman killed as 22-year-old Angelica "Angie" Vega. GREELEY, Colo. (KDVR) A 22-year-old woman was murdered Friday night at NOCO Nutrition at the end of her shift. It showed the suspect, Marcos Vallejos, enter the store at 5:36 p.m., while customers were inside. GREELEY MURDER: Woman found dead in back of car after missing from work Use at your own risk. He got into her car and then left the parking lot at 6:47 p.m. At 10:34 p.m., a resident saw Vegas car parked at a convenience store on 71st Avenue and 20th Street, about a mile from NOCO Nutrition, according to arrest records.