On surveillance, Vallejos was seen moving her body to the backseat of the vehicle. 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After, Vallejos removed a dark-colored cover from a nearby couch using the hatchet. Police continue to investigate the shooting. Greeley resident Leandra Walker never met Vega or her family, but she left flowers and a poem at the store. They asked anyone with more information about the case to call Detective Onderlinde at 970-350-9676. Upon retrial, Pankey was found guilty of the kidnapping and murder of Jonelle by a Weld County jury on October 31, 2022. The affidavit says that as officers approached, Vallejos said something to the effect of "Yeah, I'm your guy.". Vallejos also claimed he had no rights and didnt understand them. [28] His earliest possible release date is in 2042, at which point he will be 91 years old. "I hope maybe her family can see that there are people who care even though we didn't know her," Walker said. There were no signs of a struggle or of forced entry. He was last booked into the Weld County Jail on July 6, on suspicion of first-degree assault. The City-Data.com crime index weighs serious crimes and violent crimes more heavily. GREELEY, Colo. Content Warning: This article includes topics that may be sensitive for some readers, including sexual assault. However, Ignacio soon realized his mistake, and apart from breaking up with Shawna, even gave up his parental rights. When the police began investigating Heathers death, they turned to the eyewitnesses who were present on the scene and recorded their accounts. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. GREELEY MURDER: Woman sexually assaulted, struck with hatchet at least 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 . She had a beautiful bright smile that could light up a room! Affidavit: Eaton man accused of killing mother argued - Greeley Tribune Eventually, Vallejos followed her behind the counter and attacked her from behind with a hatchet. Use at your own risk. In a matter of three days, on October 12, 2020, police arrested Pankey for kidnapping and first-degree murder in Jonelle's case. He then leaves and pulls his car closer to the business. Higher means more crime, U.S. average is 270.6. According to the arrest affidavit, surveillance cameras showed Vallejos enter Noco Nutrition at 5:36 p.m. with a backpack over his shoulder. The police department said anyone with more information regarding the case could call 970-350-9671. In the minutes that followed, Vallejos made spontaneous and unsolicited statements that he killed someone. Vega is seen cleaning up at the counter, likely anticipating closing at 7 p.m. At 6:36 p.m. the video shows Vallejos on the video following the victim behind the counter and attacking her. Multiple bullets hit the kneeling woman, who immediately collapsed on the ground while the assailant made a quick escape. The. During the interview in the field and at the police station, officers said that Vallejos made several incoherent or nonsensical statements. 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. Homicides are rising at a record pace in the United States. Vallejos failed to show up for a court date in March. The coworkers parked behind her station wagon and found her body inside. Moreover, the people who saw the murder also claimed that the killer showed no compassion, and it seemed like a personal attack. It showed the suspect, Marcos Vallejos, enter the store at 5:36 p.m., while customers were inside. She also said this trip was unexpected. August 30, 2022 / 1:01 PM The 2019 crime rate in Greeley, CO is 233 (City-Data.com crime index), which is comparable to the U.S. average. Randy Baker was killed in 2017. The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Greeley is 273 to 1. Greeley murder: Man gets maximum sentence for 2020 killing | 9news.com The person reported seeing a body covered in the backseat. [22][23], On October 13, 2020, Pankey was indicted on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in Jonelle's death. [21], Pankey knew he was a person of interest in September 2019 when he was interviewed by the Idaho Statesman. [21] He was held without bail at the Ada County Jail in Boise until he was extradited to Colorado. Our top 10 tips from residents, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. All data in this story is at the metro area level from the FBI. Jonelle was adopted in March 1972 by James "Jim" and Gloria Matthews, a married couple with a daughter, living in Greeley, Colorado. Every picture of Vega at the memorials shows her smile. A few co-workers mentioned that although Heather was a wonderful person, a woman named Shawna Nelson had a massive grudge against her. Greeley gang leader will 'never walk the streets again' - FOX31 Denver During his interview with a detective, Vallejos made statements about Jesus Christ, Sophia, Mexicans, Mormons, magnets and politics, records said. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. 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. Pankey's trial began on Thursday, October 14, 2021, ultimately ending in a mistrial on November 4, 2021, due to a hung jury. 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. Homicide is Soaring in the Greeley, CO Metro Area - 24/7 Wall St 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. Surprisingly, the killer was dressed in a black robe and was hiding their face with a grim reaper mask. [21] In 2008, Pankey's son was murdered. . 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. 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. [4] Steven Pankey was sentenced to life imprisonment on October 31, 2022, after his arrest in 2020. 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. When the police initially approached Shawna, she insisted on her innocence and denied being involved in Heathers murder. At 6:25 p.m., Vallejos got up from his table and walked to the restroom. She said theyre pushing for better safety in this area. Later, police said he referred to his right arm as the one that kills people. 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. He said he and his wife were home on the night of Jonelle's disappearance. The friend said Vega would take her siblings out to dinner one day a month to spend time with them. Affidavit: Video footage captures vicious murder of 22-year-old She was beautiful smart loving and caring young lady filled with so much joy! According to a recent FBI report, there were a total of 21,570. Officers found the hatchet on a couch in the dining area but found no one inside the business or in the area of the parking lot, records said. 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. Coroner identifies 3 family members killed in - Greeley Tribune When officers arrived at the business, they found Vega's glasses and a lot of blood, along with her finger. [19][20] The forensic report listed Jonelle's cause of death as "a gunshot wound to the head".[13][21]. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana). The tree died after a few years and a plaque inscribed with Jonelle's name disappeared. 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. Marcos Vallejos, 24, is being charged with murder in the first degree and sexual assault. 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. [13] She also said that after their return, Pankey forced her to read to him newspaper articles concerning the case. The day of January 23, 2007, was a normal one at the Garraus household as Heather left for work as scheduled. 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. Hicks claimed to have heard Pankey muttering in response, accusing the minister of being a false prophet. [13][21] According to the 2020 indictment statement, shortly following their return to Greeley, Pankey started digging in their yard. He laid the weapon on the couch and placed Vega on the cover. The 2019 Greeley crime rate fell by 9% compared to 2018. Her father arrived home at 9:30 PM and found the garage door open, but no one was in the house. According to the Greeley Police Department (GPD), officers were called to the 4900 block of 23rd Street Road just. Heather Garraus Murder: How Did She Die? Who Killed Her? - The Cinemaholic [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. [17], A chokecherry tree was planted in front of Franklin Middle School in memory of Jonelle. Officers helped tend to the victim's injuries until Evans fire personnel arrived. Greeley Police said officers were searching the area near where Vega's car was found and spotted Vallejos nearby. 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. On Thursday, the coroners office identified them as Richard Kraus, 83, Patricia Karus, 80, and Alan Kraus, 61, all of Greeley. Paramedics arrived to take the victim to North Colorado Medical Center. In 2010, the Greeley Tribune published another summary of the case. We love Greeley, we love the community. Vallejos was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and sexual assault. He interacted with Vega briefly at the shop's counter and then sat a table. The number of homicides stood at 2. 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 . Please enter valid email address to continue. "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. David . Jonelle Matthews case: Suspect indicted for murder in 1984 Greeley cold 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. In fact, the show also stated that Shawna and Ignacios affair led to a child, and the former wanted him to divorce his wife and move in with her. 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. "She was part of our community.". To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. Suspect Marcos Vallejos, 24, has been arrested and booked. 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. If you need anything, we're here," Bowie said. The victim eventually stopped breathing and his pulse could not be detected, according to Evans police. Lets delve into the details surrounding the crime and find out more, shall we? 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. He shuffled papers in and out of his black backpack and wrote on them for an hour. [21], Pankey's ex-wife, Angela Hicks,[21] said they started their trip on December 22, two days after Jonelle's disappearance. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. New information from Greeley police has revealed some gruesome details about the sexual assault and murder of Angelica 'Angie' Vega. However, once she clocked out and was about to return home, a dark figure approached her in the parking lot. She was funny! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Coroner identifies 3 family members killed in, 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), Coroner identifies 3 family members killed in suspected murder-suicide, 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. A few moments later, he left his table and walked around the counter to the restroom out of the cameras view. The affidavit says he was out of camera view. Timeline: The Jonelle Matthews murder - CBS News 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. Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you Trevor Reid covers public safety issues for the Greeley Tribune. They are currently retired and living in Costa Rica. The Moving can be an exciting experience. [21] In 2018, Pankey had campaigned for the Idaho Republican Party's nomination for the position of governor of Idaho. [26] [4] Steven Pankey was sentenced to life imprisonment on October 31, 2022, after his arrest in 2020. The Weld County Coroners Office on Thursday publicly identified the three people killed in a suspected murder-suicide over the weekend in Greeley. We're praying for your family. 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. 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. A witness told police they saw a lot of blood and a hatchet at the business before police arrived. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools and left millions of Americans out of work. Family members identified the woman killed as 22-year-old Angelica "Angie" Vega. [13], A few months following Jonelle's disappearance, Pankey attended a church service where a minister claimed that Jonelle would be found safe. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. He took his backpack but left a piece of paper at the table. The incident angered Shawna greatly, and authorities discovered that she had been sending threatening messages to Ignacio and Heather for quite some time. [2], Years after Jonelle's disappearance, her parents moved to the Philippines. [9] Jonelle's older sister, Jennifer, got home at 10:00 PM, but had not seen her. 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. Jonelle Matthews was a 12-year-old American girl who disappeared near Greeley, Colorado, on December 20, 1984. Arrest affidavit reveals timeline of gruesome sexual assault, murder in Greeley, sexual assault and murder of Angelica 'Angie' Vega. Vallejos was booked into the Weld County Jail on first-degree murder and sexual assault charges. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. [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. Seconds later, he was back in the frame without the hatchet. GREELEY, Colo. (KDVR) Officers found a body outside a Greeley home shortly after midnight Saturday. [3] Her remains were discovered on July 24, 2019, by construction workers putting in a new pipeline 15 mi (24 km) from her home. Her remains were found this week", "Jonelle Renee Matthews (12) Greeley CO, 1984", "Remains ID'd as those of Colorado girl missing 34 years", "Idaho Man Convicted in 1984 Murder of 12-Year-Old Colorado Girl", "After haunting Colorado for three decades, there is new hope in the Jonelle Matthews case", "Jonelle Matthews discovery provides closure for family, but new chapter is only just begun", "Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)COLD CASE FILESJonelle Matthews", "Greeley girl's disappearance still a mystery after 25 years", "Colorado girl's disappearance still a mystery", "Jonelle Matthews disappearance anniversary: Timeline of events", "After 30 Years, They've Found Jonelle Matthews. Footage of the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer rattled confidence in American law enforcement and sparked nationwide protests. Therefore, Shawna was arrested and charged with murder. Incidentally, Heather also worked at the Colorado State Employees Credit Union in Greeley, and co-workers couldnt help but praise her diligence. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. Apparent murder-suicide in Greeley leaves 3 dead | 9news.com 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. RELATED: 'She was always smiling': Family remembers woman killed at Greeley smoothie shop. At 1:51 a.m. July 24, Evans police responded to a stabbing in a garage in the 4000 block of Mariposa Lane. Jonelle Matthews was a 12-year-old American girl who disappeared near Greeley, Colorado, on December 20, 1984. A little over two and a half hours later the womans car was found less than five minutes down the road at the Kum and Go gas station at 20th Street and 71st Avenue. Their father began to worry and called police. Jump to a detailed profile, search site with google or try advanced search. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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 Greeley Police Commander Roy Smith stated that Pankey "had made repeated efforts to speak with detectives" about the Matthews case, but refused to answer questions when detectives traveled to Twin Falls on August 15, 2019. [5] Firearms sales soared, and tens of millions of new guns proliferated across communities nationwide. GREELEY MURDER: Woman found dead in back of car after missing from work Affidavit: Greeley resident wanted on suspicion of attempted murder She was very unique and had a heart of gold! Pankey pleaded not guilty for those crimes . A family friend said Vega had a heart of gold and worked hard to help her mom and siblings in every way she could. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. According to the Greeley. 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. For 11 minutes, he was out of the cameras view, arrest records said. [27] He received a sentence of 20 years to life in prison. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. We want safety, so the powers that be put more lights up here. Police said the missing woman was found dead in the backseat. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Murder of Heather Garraus by Shawna Nelson investigated on Married With Mar. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. By the time first responders arrived at the murder scene, Heather was lying in a pool of blood on the ground. Community members like Irene Castillo said Vega was a sweet girl who was loved by many. Northern Colorado basketball teams face tough road at Big Sky Tournament Pankey and his former wife lived about three miles from the Matthews home and he had been a youth pastor at the church the Matthews family attended. Ketia Daniel, founder of BHM Cleaning Co., is BestReviews cleaning expert. Greeley, Colorado, is one of only four large U.S. metro areas where murders more than tripled in the last year. Vallejos shuffled papers in and out of his backpack, drawing and writing on them, for nearly an hour. Internal Affairs, a podcast spinoff from the long-running news program Dateline NBC, is correspondent Josh Mankiewicz's six-episode exploration of a Colorado crime: the 2007 murder in Greeley of . Now, a memorial is set up outside of the nutrition shop with flowers and photos of Vega. [13] Decades later, Pankey provided investigators with documents concerning this trip, which police said contained "false statements and superfluous details". When produced in court, Shawna maintained her innocence but was soon convicted of first-degree murder. 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? City-data.com does not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of any information on this site. There were 16 homicides reported in the area in 2020, up 220% from five in 2019. "[13], Jennifer Mogensen, Jonelle's older sister, said her family experienced "some closure" when they learned that Jonelle was murdered and she considers Pankey's arrest "another gift to our family". Jennifer McRae is a digital media producer. During this time, Vega put things away and cleaned up the counter. On Thursday, the coroner's office identified them as Richard Kraus, 83, Patricia Karus, 80, and Alan Kraus, 61, all of Greeley. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved.