Vallejos retrieved the piece of paper he left at the table earlier, folded it and placed it at the end of the counter. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. The number of homicides stood at 2. Suspect Marcos Vallejos, 24, has been arrested and booked. First published on August 30, 2022 / 1:01 PM. Moreover, the people who saw the murder also claimed that the killer showed no compassion, and it seemed like a personal attack. While it may be years before the precise causal factors are identified, many U.S. cities are bearing the brunt of the rash of deadly violence. Incidentally, Heather also worked at the Colorado State Employees Credit Union in Greeley, and co-workers couldnt help but praise her diligence. She is being held in Weld County Jail without bond on charges of . Officers said Vallejos threw a brick through the window of the Greeley Church of Latter Day Saints and went inside. Vallejos failed to show up for a court date in March. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Evans police learned Greeley police had arrested Jaramillo on June 28 on suspicion of a stabbing. Angie always put her mother and siblings first!". [13] She also said that after their return, Pankey forced her to read to him newspaper articles concerning the case. People from the community came by all day Saturday to pay their respects. 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When officers arrived at the business, they found Vega's glasses and a lot of blood, along with her finger. We're praying for your family. [2] Vierra had used a search consultant to help locate Jonelle. Vega was allegedly sexually assaulted and killed. Vallejos was booked into the Weld County Jail on first-degree murder and sexual assault charges. After, Vallejos removed a dark-colored cover from a nearby couch using the hatchet. Upon arrival, officers found the victim on the floor of the garage while two witnesses were providing help to the severely injured man. Vallejos also claimed he had no rights and didnt understand them. 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. 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. but it can also be stressful. Tawnya Bowie, who owns the business next door to Noco Nutrition, said they hope to support the family through some kind of fundraising event. [5] [15] As recently as 2018, Greeley Police had been re-contacting witnesses and applying the latest forensic advances in their investigation. Hicks claimed to have heard Pankey muttering in response, accusing the minister of being a false prophet. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Please enter valid email address to continue. Vallejos briefly interacted with Vega at the counter before sitting down at a nearby table. Greeley Police said they were called just before 8 p.m. Friday to a report of suspicious activity at Noco Nutrition, in the 1900 block of 59th Avenue. Suspect Marcos Vallejos, 24, has been arrested and booked. [17], A chokecherry tree was planted in front of Franklin Middle School in memory of Jonelle. but it can also be stressful. She was pronounced dead at 10:59 p.m. Police found Vallejos backpack in the front seat of the car. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Our top 10 tips from residents, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The Weld County Coroners Office on Thursday publicly identified the three people killed in a suspected murder-suicide over the weekend in Greeley. Lets delve into the details surrounding the crime and find out more, shall we? Jump to a detailed profile, search site with google or try advanced search. Twenty-four-year-old Marcos Vallejos was arrested shortly after and charged with sexual assault and first-degree murder. [10] At 8:15 PM, Jonelle arrived home in Greeley, Colorado, after getting a ride from her friend, DeeAnna Ross, and DeeAnna's father. [4] Steven Pankey was sentenced to life imprisonment on October 31, 2022, after his arrest in 2020. She was found dead in. A few co-workers mentioned that although Heather was a wonderful person, a woman named Shawna Nelson had a massive grudge against her. An initial examination determined that she was dead, while an autopsy later confirmed that the Colorado State Employees Credit Union employee had died of multiple bullet wounds. Officers helped tend to the victim's injuries until Evans fire personnel arrived. On Wednesday, September 4, 2019, police in Twin Falls, Idaho, searched Pankey's condo under a warrant that stated investigators had probable cause to believe that Pankey abducted and murdered Jonelle. Discuss Greeley, Colorado (CO) on our hugely popular Colorado forum. A witness told police they saw a lot of blood and a hatchet at the business before police arrived. At his son's funeral, Hicks reportedly heard Pankey say, "I hope God didn't allow this to happen because of Jonelle Matthews. Mogensen's father was reportedly "especially excited to see justice". Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. During this time, Vega put things away and cleaned up the counter. According to a recent FBI report, there were a total of 21,570. Vega was seen on security cameras cleaning and preparing to close the store. When he arrived at NOCO Nutrition, the worker went inside to find a hatchet and a lot of blood, arrest records said. Police said Saturday they were investigating incident as possible murder-suicide, Yellow crime tape blocks off an area. The victim, identified by her family as Angie Vega, was allegedly sexually. [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. When the police initially approached Shawna, she insisted on her innocence and denied being involved in Heathers murder. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. The friend said Vega would take her siblings out to dinner one day a month to spend time with them. [5], Jonelle Matthews was born at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California, on February 9, 1972, to 13-year-old Terri Vierra. The victim had a deep laceration from behind his left ear extending to the base of his skull. Greeley Police said officers were searching the area near where Vega's car was found and spotted Vallejos nearby. Meet the news team or contact us. His bond was set to $100,000. Greeley Police responded to the business for a wellness check after they were tipped off that someone might have broken in and the woman who was scheduled to close was missing. The day of January 23, 2007, was a normal one at the Garraus household as Heather left for work as scheduled. Greeley Police arrested Marcos Vallejos in the death of Angie Vega. 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. The worker contacted another person to go check out the business. [21] He was held without bail at the Ada County Jail in Boise until he was extradited to Colorado. 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". Vallejos was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and sexual assault. According to court documents, in November, Vallejos was arrested on suspicion of second-degree burglary and criminal mischief, which are both misdemeanors. They asked anyone with more information about the case to call Detective Onderlinde at 970-350-9676. [21], Pankey knew he was a person of interest in September 2019 when he was interviewed by the Idaho Statesman. Jonelle was adopted in March 1972 by James "Jim" and Gloria Matthews, a married couple with a daughter, living in Greeley, Colorado. During his interview with a detective, Vallejos made statements about Jesus Christ, Sophia, Mexicans, Mormons, magnets and politics, records said. [13], A few months following Jonelle's disappearance, Pankey attended a church service where a minister claimed that Jonelle would be found safe. 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. Paramedics arrived to take the victim to North Colorado Medical Center. Officers responded to the store and found Vegas glasses in the parking lot, as well as blood on the sidewalk near the front entrance. Jonelle's shoes and shawl were near a heater in the family room, a place she often sat. "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. Just after 6:15 p.m., the last customer left the store, leaving Vega alone inside with Vallejos, the affidavit says. On Thursday, the coroners office identified them as Richard Kraus, 83, Patricia Karus, 80, and Alan Kraus, 61, all of Greeley. [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". The staff at CBS News Colorado is Covering Colorado First. 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. At 6:25 p.m., Vallejos got up from his table and walked to the restroom. Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you Trevor Reid covers public safety issues for the Greeley Tribune. The Moving can be an exciting experience. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Here is a look at the states where gun sales are surging. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. All other forms of violent crime also increased in Greeley last year, contributing to a near-nation leading 50% surge in the violent crime rate nearly 10 times the nationwide increase. Footage of the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer rattled confidence in American law enforcement and sparked nationwide protests. Officers helped tend to the victims injuries until Evans fire personnel arrived. In 2007, Shawna Nelson was a former Weld County police dispatcher who was married to a Weld County Sheriff, Deputy Ken Nelson. 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. [2] In 1994, Jonelle was declared legally dead. According to the show, Shawna was married to Ken Nelson, a Weld County sheriffs deputy, but also had an affair with Heathers husband, Ignacio, for several years. With snow on the ground, Jonelle's father thought it unlikely that she would go far without shoes. At 10:43 p.m. a witness told police the suspect vehicle had a body in the rear outside a convenience store at 71st Avenue and 20th Street in Greeley. The police department said anyone with more information regarding the case could call 970-350-9671. 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. 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. She had a beautiful bright smile that could light up a room! Once the mystery attacker reached Heather, they ordered her to go down on her knees and began shooting incessantly at close range. [22][23], On October 13, 2020, Pankey was indicted on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in Jonelle's death. Shawna Louise Buntz Nelson (pictured, left) was always looking for love. However, Ignacio soon realized his mistake, and apart from breaking up with Shawna, even gave up his parental rights. The victim eventually stopped breathing and his pulse could not be detected, according to Evans police. Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you Affidavit: Greeley resident wanted on suspicion, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Affidavit: Greeley resident wanted on suspicion of attempted murder after stabbing in Evans, Campbell wins Big Sky Indoor Track and Field Freshman of the Year for record-breaking times, Big Sky Tournament: UNC mens, womens basketball have tough road in Boise, Smileys former JuCo player confident in coach, UNC basketball future, Aims CC offers free science, tech summer camp for high school students, Brought to you by Prairie Mountain Publishing, Weld judge sentences Greeley man to 60 years for October 2020 murder, In-N-Out closes on property for Loveland restaurant in Centerra, Johnstown fisherman reels in the catch of a lifetime while traveling to Texas for son's junior hockey tournament, Sentencing date set for former Greeley Central teacher who pleaded guilty to child exploitation, Weld County commissioners approve new commissioner districts in what some say is violation of state law, Windsor girls switch to rarely used 2-3 zone en route to win over Mead in quarterfinals of 5A playoffs, Fusco Pizza is a love letter to all things Greeley, One call handles it all: TruBlue Total House Care opening in Greeley, Weld and Larimer counties retail food inspection reports, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. However, refusing to give up, officers arrested her best friend, Michelle Moore, who came clean after being charged with being an accessory after the fact and admitted that Shawna was responsible for murdering Heather. Shortly after 8:30 PM, Jonelle answered a phone call and took a message for her father. Jonelle's sister married and moved out of Colorado. [21] In 2018, Pankey had campaigned for the Idaho Republican Party's nomination for the position of governor of Idaho. Now, a memorial is set up outside of the nutrition shop with flowers and photos of Vega. Police determined Jaramillo was hanging out with others in the garage when an argument broke out and the victim intervened. The case is the subject of a new Dateline episode that aired Monday night at 9 p.m. GREELEY, Colo. Randy Baker was 59 when his wife Kelly found him dead inside . Vega was allegedly sexually assaulted and killed. We want safety, so the powers that be put more lights up here. She was funny! Only metro areas with populations of at least 250,000 residents and at least one homicide in 2019 were considered. [4] Steven Pankey was sentenced to life imprisonment on October 31, 2022, after his arrest in 2020. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. On Thursday, the coroner's office identified them as Richard Kraus, 83, Patricia Karus, 80, and Alan Kraus, 61, all of Greeley. By the time first responders arrived at the murder scene, Heather was lying in a pool of blood on the ground. 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 [21] In 2008, Pankey's son was murdered. The affidavit says he was out of camera view. Steve Pankey, who twice ran for governor of Idaho, is charged in the 1984 kidnapping and murder of Jonelle Matthews. The Greeley chief of police attributes the spike to disruptions caused by the pandemic, including the release of some inmates from jails and prisons to improve social distancing measures within the facilities. 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. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. [21] Pankey had claimed that on the evening of Jonelle's abduction, a rake was used to cover up tracks left in the snow. He left in and out of the frame several times and moved the hatchet back to the counter before placing the folded paper into his backpack. Greeley Police said they were called just before 8 p.m. Friday to a report of suspicious activity at Noco. The. 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. August 30, 2022 / 1:01 PM Finding a qualified financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. 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. David . But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. Pankey pleaded not guilty for those crimes . However, unable to get an idea about possible suspects, authorities interviewed Heathers co-workers, who gave the police their first breakthrough. The 2019 Greeley crime rate fell by 9% compared to 2018. GREELEY, Colo. (KDVR) Officers found a body outside a Greeley home shortly after midnight Saturday. Jennifer McRae is a digital media producer. Police said the missing woman was found dead in the backseat. [21], The police announced that Pankey had long been a person of interest in the case. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools and left millions of Americans out of work. According to court documents, he said, "Yeah, I'm your guy," when an officer told another officer aloud that he thought Vallejos, who was covered in blood, matched the description of the suspect. Police responded to the home after a caller requested police check on a family member due to getting concerning text messages. Connect with Trevor at (970) 392-4492, treid@greeleytribune.com or @treid71 on Twitter. Big Sky Tournament: UNC men's, women's basketball have tough road in Boise. Footage from about 6:13 p.m. captured Vallejos watching the last customer leave the business. 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. At 1:51 a.m. July 24, Evans police responded to a stabbing in a garage in the 4000 block of Mariposa Lane. Vallejos shuffled papers in and out of his backpack, drawing and writing on them, for nearly an hour. Here is a look at the states where gun sales are surging. A young woman found dead in the back of her vehicle Friday night in Greeley has been identified, and a suspect is in custody. Police determined Jaramillo left the scene in a Dodge. Vega and her vehicle were both missing. 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. That's about a mile from where the attack happened. . Homicides are rising at a record pace in the United States. If youre an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. / CBS Colorado. A few moments later, he left his table and walked around the counter to the restroom out of the cameras view. The person reported seeing a body covered in the backseat. Jaramillo has several warrants out for his arrest, dating back to traffic charges in February. Vallejos returned to the cameras view to retrieve the hatchet and take it back to the office area. Family members identified the woman killed as 22-year-old Angelica "Angie" Vega. She also said this trip was unexpected. 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. [18], Excavators installing a pipeline discovered human remains at 4:50 PM on Tuesday, July 23, 2019, near the intersection of County Roads 34.5 and 49 at coordinates .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}401423N 1043609W / 40.239848N 104.602514W / 40.239848; -104.602514, about 15mi (24km) southeast of Jonelle's home. Upon retrial, Pankey was found guilty of the kidnapping and murder of Jonelle by a Weld County jury on October 31, 2022.