Heather Garraus Murder: Latest Recycling of a Colorado Crime Story [5], Jonelle Matthews was born at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California, on February 9, 1972, to 13-year-old Terri Vierra. Officers said Vallejos threw a brick through the window of the Greeley Church of Latter Day Saints and went inside. [28] His earliest possible release date is in 2042, at which point he will be 91 years old. The incident angered Shawna greatly, and authorities discovered that she had been sending threatening messages to Ignacio and Heather for quite some time. The spike in homicides came during a tumultuous year. 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. He laid the weapon on the couch and placed Vega on the cover. 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. Later, police said he referred to his right arm as the one that kills people. Randy Baker's Wife, Kelly, Found Him Dead On The Floor. Greeley resident Leandra Walker never met Vega or her family, but she left flowers and a poem at the store. A news release from the coroners office notes they were family. If you need anything, we're here," Bowie said. Firearms sales soared, and tens of millions of new guns proliferated across communities nationwide. 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. Jonelle Matthews was a 12-year-old American girl who disappeared near Greeley, Colorado, on December 20, 1984. 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. 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According to court documents, in November, Vallejos was arrested on suspicion of second-degree burglary and criminal mischief, which are both misdemeanors. Vallejos briefly interacted with Vega at the counter before sitting down at a nearby table. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Radin at (970) 350-9671. Man convicted of brutally murdering Greeley woman with plunger - WeldDA Her family said at work, she wrote a message on every cup to cheer up customers. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Vega was allegedly sexually assaulted and killed. Vallejos retrieved the piece of paper he left at the table earlier, folded it and placed it at the end of the counter. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana). 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. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. Once the mystery attacker reached Heather, they ordered her to go down on her knees and began shooting incessantly at close range. 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. 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. At about that time, a car stored on their property caught fire and the burned car "was disposed of at a salvage yard". In the last 5 years Greeley has seen decreasing violent crime and decreasing property crime. Lets delve into the details surrounding the crime and find out more, shall we? 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. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. A little after 10:30 p.m., police found Vega's vehicle a little over a mile away, near 71st Avenue and 20th Street. RELATED: 'She was always smiling': Family remembers woman killed at Greeley smoothie shop. In the minutes that followed, Vallejos made spontaneous and unsolicited statements that he killed someone. After, Vallejos removed a dark-colored cover from a nearby couch using the hatchet. Clerical error led to Boulder murder suspect not receiving sanity Here is a look at the states where gun sales are surging. 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. Steve Pankey, a former longshot candidate for Idaho governor, has been indicted on Oct. 13, 2020, in the murder of Jonelle Matthews, a 12-year-old Colorado girl who went missing in 1984. Some experts speculate that each of these factors likely played a role in rising homicide rates nationwide. According to the Greeley. 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. Woman arrested in fatal double shooting in Greeley | Crime & Justice - A Greeley man was sentenced to the rest of his life in prison this week for murdering a woman in 2018. August 30, 2022 / 1:01 PM Here is a look at the states where gun sales are surging. DU loses to North Dakota in Summit tourney opener, Makar cleared to return 2nd time from concussion protocol, 77 inches of snow fall at Colorado ski area in 9 days, 'She was always smiling': Family remembers woman killed at Greeley smoothie shop. Interestingly, Shawna was arrested on the same day as Heathers murder, and the police found her driving her husbands truck. Steve Pankey, who twice ran for governor of Idaho, is charged in the 1984 kidnapping and murder of Jonelle Matthews. 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. Just after 6:15 p.m., the last customer left the store, leaving Vega alone inside with Vallejos, the affidavit says. In 2007, Shawna Nelson was a former Weld County police dispatcher who was married to a Weld County Sheriff, Deputy Ken Nelson. Community members like Irene Castillo said Vega was a sweet girl who was loved by many. Months after murder of Greeley musician, details emerge in the case However, Ignacio soon realized his mistake, and apart from breaking up with Shawna, even gave up his parental rights. He also had a laceration to the left pectoral muscle and several puncture wounds along his left side. Murder of Jonelle Matthews - Wikipedia 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 . Ketia Daniel, founder of BHM Cleaning Co., is BestReviews cleaning expert. According to the press release . [27] He received a sentence of 20 years to life in prison. Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you Trevor Reid covers public safety issues for the Greeley Tribune. New information from Greeley police has revealed some gruesome details about the sexual assault and murder of Angelica 'Angie' Vega. In 1997, Gloria Matthews received a letter from Vierra requesting permission to visit Jonelle. Family members identified the woman killed as 22-year-old Angelica "Angie" Vega. Records indicate he struck her in the head and delivered numerous blows. [13] Hicks said they returned to Greeley on December 26 and that Pankey took an unusual interest in the disappearance. The caller said Vega was supposed to close the business at 7 p.m. 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. [21] He was held without bail at the Ada County Jail in Boise until he was extradited to Colorado. She cherished life and those in it! [13][21] According to the 2020 indictment statement, shortly following their return to Greeley, Pankey started digging in their yard. Affidavit: Eaton man accused of killing mother argued - Greeley Tribune The 2019 crime rate in Greeley, CO is 233 (City-Data.com crime index), which is comparable to the U.S. average. The 2019 Greeley crime rate fell by 9% compared to 2018. First published on August 30, 2022 / 1:01 PM. A customer also told her someone broke into the business and there was blood on the floor. [15] As recently as 2018, Greeley Police had been re-contacting witnesses and applying the latest forensic advances in their investigation. [19][20] The forensic report listed Jonelle's cause of death as "a gunshot wound to the head".[13][21]. The video shows Vallejos sexually assaulting Vega. We love Greeley, we love the community. They are currently retired and living in Costa Rica. Jaramillo has several warrants out for his arrest, dating back to traffic charges in February. While Vega was motionless on the floor, Vallejos laid the weapon on the counter and walked back toward the restroom and office area. Jonelle Matthews case: Suspect indicted for murder in 1984 Greeley cold 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. The victim had a deep laceration from behind his left ear extending to the base of his skull. The Matthews notified Vierra about what happened and the families became friends. He has an advisement hearing scheduled for this charge 9 a.m. Aug. 18. 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. [10] At 8:15 PM, Jonelle arrived home in Greeley, Colorado, after getting a ride from her friend, DeeAnna Ross, and DeeAnna's father. New information from Greeley police has revealed some gruesome details about the sexual assault and murder of Angelica 'Angie' Vega. Greeley Police arrested Marcos Vallejos in the death of Angie Vega. Shortly after 8:30 PM, Jonelle answered a phone call and took a message for her father. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. Arrest affidavit reveals timeline of gruesome sexual assault, murder in Greeley, sexual assault and murder of Angelica 'Angie' Vega. Jan 18, 2022 Updated Jan 18, 2022. 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. 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. She was very unique and had a heart of gold! At the time of her disappearance, Jonelle's father was the principal of Platte Valley Elementary School in Kersey, Colorado.[6]. Besides, she was highly dedicated to her husband and their relationship meant the world to Heather. On surveillance, Vallejos was seen moving her body to the backseat of the vehicle. Jump to a detailed profile, search site with google or try advanced search. [21], On October 13, 2020, Steven Pankey was indicted on charges of murdering and kidnapping Matthews. She also said this trip was unexpected. [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". Jonelle was adopted in March 1972 by James "Jim" and Gloria Matthews, a married couple with a daughter, living in Greeley, Colorado. At 6:25 p.m., Vallejos got up from his table and walked to the restroom. [16] She appears in the International Center for Unidentified and Missing Persons' database. New information from Greeley police has revealed some gruesome details about the sexual assault and murder of Angelica 'Angie' Vega. Officers helped tend to the victims injuries until Evans fire personnel arrived. He then dragged Vega a few feet before sexually assaulting her, records said. 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. 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. When officers arrived, the store was in disarray with large amounts of blood found inside. [5] They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit. During the interview in the field and at the police station, officers said that Vallejos made several incoherent or nonsensical statements. [9] The phone call was the last time anyone was known to have spoken with Jonelle. 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. Pankey pleaded not guilty for those crimes . Afterward, Vallejos took Vega's car keys and pulled her car closer to the business's front door. According to the Greeley Police Department (GPD), officers were called to the 4900 block of 23rd Street Road just. Homicide is Soaring in the Greeley, CO Metro Area Samuel Stebbins Homicides are rising at a record pace in the United States. 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. Police said Saturday they were investigating incident as possible murder-suicide, Yellow crime tape blocks off an area. People from the community came by all day Saturday to pay their respects. [2], Years after Jonelle's disappearance, her parents moved to the Philippines. The man saw signs of someone being dragged as well as surveillance footage showing someone taking Vega. Vallejos also claimed he had no rights and didnt understand them. A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Officers found three people dead inside the home. Officers responded to the store and found Vegas glasses in the parking lot, as well as blood on the sidewalk near the front entrance. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools and left millions of Americans out of work. Vega was seen on security cameras cleaning and preparing to close the store. Who killed Jonelle Matthews? What her suspected killer said on the Higher means more crime, U.S. average is 270.6. Vallejos returned to the cameras view to retrieve the hatchet and take it back to the office area. Affidavit: Video footage captures vicious murder of 22-year-old Discuss Greeley, Colorado (CO) on our hugely popular Colorado forum. Gabriel Faudoa, 34, is facing charges of first-degree murder after deliberation, first-degree felony murder, aggravated robbery with a weapon and aggravated vehicle theft. In a matter of three days, on October 12, 2020, police arrested Pankey for kidnapping and first-degree murder in Jonelle's case. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. On Oct. 29, 2020, Greeley officers responded to a shooting around 3 a.m. in the 1100 block alley between 11th and 12th streets. 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. According to a recent FBI report, there were a total of 21,570. UNC lost to NAU, 62-59, in overtime. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. Vegas body was inside that car. Former Idaho gubernatorial candidate charged with killing girl, 12, who Police have arrested a suspect and charged him with murder. / CBS Colorado. GREELEY MURDER: Woman sexually assaulted, struck with hatchet at least She had goals and loved adventures! Lets not have this repeat again,Castillo said. 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. Angie always put her mother and siblings first!". Police continue to investigate the shooting. 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. 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. The police arrived at 10:15 PM and found footprints in the snow, indicating that someone had been looking in the windows. Weld County Courthouse. 'An Overwhelming Number Of Lies': Colorado Counselor Slain In Life Suspect Marcos Vallejos, 24, has been arrested and booked into Weld County Jail on charges of first-degree murder and sexual assault. It was higher than in 74.7% U.S. cities. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Only metro areas with populations of at least 250,000 residents and at least one homicide in 2019 were considered. Meet the news team or contact us. The Moving can be an exciting experience. However, from the looks of it, the cops seemingly had an immediate breakthrough as there were several eyewitnesses to the murder. The Weld County Coroners Office on Thursday publicly identified the three people killed in a suspected murder-suicide over the weekend in Greeley. 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. The victim, identified by her family as Angie Vega, was allegedly sexually. [9] Jonelle's older sister, Jennifer, got home at 10:00 PM, but had not seen her. Jonelle's sister married and moved out of Colorado. GREELEY, Colo. Content Warning: This article includes topics that may be sensitive for some readers, including sexual assault. 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. He also claimed to have watched students walking home from the middle school which Jonelle attended. [14] She was mentioned in the Congressional Record for the United States House of Representatives on April 2, 1985, page 7224. 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. "I hope maybe her family can see that there are people who care even though we didn't know her," Walker said. A young woman found dead in the back of her vehicle Friday night in Greeley has been identified, and a suspect is in custody. During his interview with a detective, Vallejos made statements about Jesus Christ, Sophia, Mexicans, Mormons, magnets and politics, records said. The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Greeley is 273 to 1. When detectives examined the surveillance video, they learned Vallejos entered the business at 5:36 p.m. while other customers were inside. There were 16 homicides reported in the area in 2020, up 220% from five in 2019. GREELEY MURDER: Woman found dead in back of car after missing from work Police said the missing woman was found dead in the backseat. 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. His campaign website said that Pankey has studied criminal justice. . She was found dead in her car after she went missing from her place of work at NOCO Nutrition. Example video title will go here for this video. Officers responded to the convenience store and found Vegas body. With snow on the ground, Jonelle's father thought it unlikely that she would go far without shoes. Pankey told the newspaper that he did not know Jonelle or the Matthews family and had only heard about them following the disappearance. He took his backpack but left a piece of paper at the table. He told officers he was the guy they were looking for, according to arrest records. DENVER The Weld County Coroners Office on Thursday identified the three people found dead inside a home in Greeley in what police said was a possible murder-suicide. Seconds later, he was back in the frame without the hatchet. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. However, once she clocked out and was about to return home, a dark figure approached her in the parking lot. 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Based on DNA evidence, the Weld County Coroner's Office positively identified the remains as being those of Jonelle Matthews. The day of January 23, 2007, was a normal one at the Garraus household as Heather left for work as scheduled. [13] She also said that after their return, Pankey forced her to read to him newspaper articles concerning the case. Jaramillo has several active warrants, but has not been taken into custody for the July 24 stabbing. Pankey repeatedly claimed to have knowledge of the crime and had asked "for immunity in exchange for information". At his son's funeral, Hicks reportedly heard Pankey say, "I hope God didn't allow this to happen because of Jonelle Matthews. She was beautiful smart loving and caring young lady filled with so much joy! Vega and her vehicle were both missing. Woman killed in Greeley identified, suspect in custody | 9news.com We're praying for your family. [3] Her remains were discovered on July 24, 2019, by construction workers putting in a new pipeline 15 mi (24 km) from her home. 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. All in the family: Greeley man's murder featured on Dateline Officers helped tend to the victim's injuries until Evans fire personnel arrived. [13] Steven Pankey was 69 years old at the time of his indictment. President Ronald Reagan mentioned Jonelle Matthews in a speech on March 7, 1985, from Room 450 of the Old Executive Office Building.