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. Greeley Police said officers were searching the area near where Vega's car was found and spotted Vallejos nearby. 2A 23-year-old will spend 60 years behind bars for shooting and killing a Greeley man in October 2020. Police said Saturday they were investigating incident as possible murder-suicide, Yellow crime tape blocks off an area. The case began Feb. 10 when a snowplow driver reported spotting a smoldering log and burned body along Old Flowers and Pingree Park roads about 40 miles west of Fort Collins in Larimer County. The staff at CBS News Colorado is Covering Colorado First. The person reported seeing a body covered in the backseat. The victim had a deep laceration from behind his left ear extending to the base of his skull. 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. She was found dead in her car after she went missing from her place of work at NOCO Nutrition. 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. If you need anything, we're here," Bowie said. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Lets delve into the details surrounding the crime and find out more, shall we? [4] Steven Pankey was sentenced to life imprisonment on October 31, 2022, after his arrest in 2020. GREELEY, Colo. (KDVR) The family of a 22-year-old woman who was killed Friday night has identified her as Angie Vega. 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. [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. 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. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana). Homicide is Soaring in the Greeley, CO Metro Area Samuel Stebbins Homicides are rising at a record pace in the United States. Pankey's trial began on Thursday, October 14, 2021, ultimately ending in a mistrial on November 4, 2021, due to a hung jury. The caller said Vega was supposed to close the business at 7 p.m. 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 . [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. [21] Mogensen said that while there had been sibling rivalry between her and Jonelle in 1984, Jonelle's killing eliminated the possibility for the two siblings to grow closer. However, Ignacio soon realized his mistake, and apart from breaking up with Shawna, even gave up his parental rights. Her father arrived home at 9:30 PM and found the garage door open, but no one was in the house. Homicides are rising at a record pace in the United States. [13][21] According to the 2020 indictment statement, shortly following their return to Greeley, Pankey started digging in their yard. A final cause and manner of death await the conclusion of autopsy reports., Greeley police said Saturday that all three had apparent gunshot wounds and that evidence at the scene suggests that this was a murder-suicide.. "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.. At 1:51 a.m. July 24, Evans police responded to a stabbing in a garage in the 4000 block of Mariposa Lane. When he arrived at NOCO Nutrition, the worker went inside to find a hatchet and a lot of blood, arrest records said. 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. Three people are dead after an apparent murder-suicide in Greeley Saturday. Suspect Marcos Vallejos, 24, has been arrested and booked. President Ronald Reagan mentioned Jonelle Matthews in a speech on March 7, 1985, from Room 450 of the Old Executive Office Building. Jonelle Matthews was a 12-year-old American girl who disappeared near Greeley, Colorado, on December 20, 1984. Police continue to investigate the shooting. New information from Greeley police has revealed some gruesome details about the sexual assault and murder of Angelica 'Angie' Vega. Police arrested a suspect, identified as Marco Vallejos. Community members like Irene Castillo said Vega was a sweet girl who was loved by many. He then dragged Vega a few feet before sexually assaulting her, records said. Afterward, Vallejos took Vega's car keys and pulled her car closer to the business's front door. Police responded to the home after a caller requested police check on a family member due to getting concerning text messages. At his son's funeral, Hicks reportedly heard Pankey say, "I hope God didn't allow this to happen because of Jonelle Matthews. Surprisingly, the killer was dressed in a black robe and was hiding their face with a grim reaper mask. [13] She also said that after their return, Pankey forced her to read to him newspaper articles concerning the case. [15] As recently as 2018, Greeley Police had been re-contacting witnesses and applying the latest forensic advances in their investigation. A customer also told her someone broke into the business and there was blood on the floor. They asked anyone with more information about the case to call Detective Onderlinde at 970-350-9676. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Radin at (970) 350-9671. His bond was set to $100,000. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Every picture of Vega at the memorials shows her smile. Weld County Courthouse. 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. He has an advisement hearing scheduled for this charge 9 a.m. Aug. 18. 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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. The City-Data.com crime index weighs serious crimes and violent crimes more heavily. Please enter valid email address to continue. With snow on the ground, Jonelle's father thought it unlikely that she would go far without shoes. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. [28] His earliest possible release date is in 2042, at which point he will be 91 years old. Suspect Marcos Vallejos, 24, has been arrested and booked. When produced in court, Shawna maintained her innocence but was soon convicted of first-degree murder. City-data.com does not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of any information on this site. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. [27] He received a sentence of 20 years to life in prison. 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. In the minutes that followed, Vallejos made spontaneous and unsolicited statements that he killed someone. Introduction. Vallejos returned to the cameras view to retrieve the hatchet and take it back to the office area. [2] Vierra had used a search consultant to help locate Jonelle. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. [17], A chokecherry tree was planted in front of Franklin Middle School in memory of Jonelle. According to court documents, in November, Vallejos was arrested on suspicion of second-degree burglary and criminal mischief, which are both misdemeanors. She said that on their return trip, Pankey "uncharacteristically listened to the radio, searching for news of the girl's disappearance". 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. Footage from about 6:13 p.m. captured Vallejos watching the last customer leave the business. After, Vallejos removed a dark-colored cover from a nearby couch using the hatchet. He laid the weapon on the couch and placed Vega on the cover. Vallejos failed to show up for a court date in March. 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. Greeley resident Leandra Walker never met Vega or her family, but she left flowers and a poem at the store. Officers responded to the convenience store and found Vegas body. Shawna Louise Buntz Nelson (pictured, left) was always looking for love. It showed the suspect, Marcos Vallejos, enter the store at 5:36 p.m., while customers were inside. [13] Hicks said they returned to Greeley on December 26 and that Pankey took an unusual interest in the disappearance. The suspect is Jessica Reeves-Burrola, according to jail records. 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. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. There were 16 homicides reported in the area in 2020, up 220% from five in 2019. Big Sky Tournament: UNC men's, women's basketball have tough road in Boise. 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. When the police began investigating Heathers death, they turned to the eyewitnesses who were present on the scene and recorded their accounts. Incidentally, Heather also worked at the Colorado State Employees Credit Union in Greeley, and co-workers couldnt help but praise her diligence. SHE had dreams! 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. [21], On October 13, 2020, Steven Pankey was indicted on charges of murdering and kidnapping Matthews. 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. 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. She was funny! The police arrived at 10:15 PM and found footprints in the snow, indicating that someone had been looking in the windows. 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. Jonelle Matthews was a 12-year-old American girl who disappeared near Greeley, Colorado, on December 20, 1984. Vallejos also claimed he had no rights and didnt understand them. 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. International Center for Unidentified and Missing Persons', "Jonelle Matthews investigation: Chronicling the 34-year search for missing Greeley 12-year-oldThe vivacious 12-year-old disappeared in 1984. In 2007, Shawna Nelson was a former Weld County police dispatcher who was married to a Weld County Sheriff, Deputy Ken Nelson. - A Greeley man was sentenced to the rest of his life in prison this week for murdering a woman in 2018. 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 . According to the witnesses, the assailant who attacked Heather spoke in a womans voice and even blamed the victim for ruining her life. The tree died after a few years and a plaque inscribed with Jonelle's name disappeared. 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. Based on DNA evidence, the Weld County Coroner's Office positively identified the remains as being those of Jonelle Matthews. 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Upon arrival, officers found the victim on the floor of the garage while two witnesses were providing help to the severely injured man. GREELEY, Colo. ( KDVR) The family of a 22-year-old woman who was killed Friday night has identified her as Angie Vega. Jennifer McRae is a digital media producer. Arrest affidavit reveals timeline of gruesome sexual assault, murder in Greeley, sexual assault and murder of Angelica 'Angie' Vega. Now The Family Seeks Her Killer", "Former Idaho gubernatorial candidate charged with killing girl, 12, who vanished in 1984", "25 years after Greeley girl vanished, no clues", "Greeley PD taking a new look Jonelle Matthews case", "Three decades after she disappeared from her Greeley home, memories of Jonelle Matthews remain", "Remains Found in Weld County Identified", "Remains of Jonelle Matthews dug up by work crew 34 years after she vanished, Greeley police sayThen 12-year-old disappeared after middle school Christmas concert", "Man Charged With Murder in 1984 Killing of Colorado Girl Taken From Home", "Former candidate for ID governor investigated in 1984 Colorado cold case killing", "Steve Pankey, Person Of Interest In Jonelle Matthews Case, Hopes Girl's Killer Is Found", "Suspect Steven Pankey Appears In Greeley Court In Jonelle Matthews 1984 Murder Case", "Mistrial declared on murder, kidnapping charges in Jonelle Matthews caseSteve Pankey was accused of killing Jonelle Matthews in 1984. 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. Pankey pleaded not guilty for those crimes . 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. Police said the missing woman was found dead in the backseat. The spike in homicides came during a tumultuous year. The worker contacted another person to go check out the business. On Monday, Weld Judge Vincente Vigil imposed the maximum sentence of 60 years in the . Shortly after 8:30 PM, Jonelle answered a phone call and took a message for her father. 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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. For 11 minutes, he was out of the cameras view, arrest records said. [12][13], The disappearance attracted interest from the public, including the president of the United States and members of Congress. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. [9] Jonelle's older sister, Jennifer, got home at 10:00 PM, but had not seen her. Jonelle's shoes and shawl were near a heater in the family room, a place she often sat. The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Greeley is 273 to 1. Vallejos briefly interacted with Vega at the counter before sitting down at a nearby table. Discuss Greeley, Colorado (CO) on our hugely popular Colorado forum. The affidavit says he was out of camera view. The police department said anyone with more information regarding the case could call 970-350-9671. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. We're praying for your family. August 30, 2022 / 1:01 PM Mogensen's father was reportedly "especially excited to see justice". 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. Our top 10 tips from residents, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. [14] She was mentioned in the Congressional Record for the United States House of Representatives on April 2, 1985, page 7224. A family friend said Vega had a heart of gold and worked hard to help her mom and siblings in every way she could. We want safety, so the powers that be put more lights up here. [2], Years after Jonelle's disappearance, her parents moved to the Philippines. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. Police determined Jaramillo left the scene in a Dodge. Police have arrested a suspect and charged him with murder. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. 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. Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you Trevor Reid covers public safety issues for the Greeley Tribune. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. [22][23], On October 13, 2020, Pankey was indicted on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in Jonelle's death. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. Mar. Higher means more crime, U.S. average is 270.6. However, from the looks of it, the cops seemingly had an immediate breakthrough as there were several eyewitnesses to the murder. However, once she clocked out and was about to return home, a dark figure approached her in the parking lot. [16] She appears in the International Center for Unidentified and Missing Persons' database. Angie always put her mother and siblings first!". Their father began to worry and called police. The Matthews notified Vierra about what happened and the families became friends. She said theyre pushing for better safety in this area. 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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". They are currently retired and living in Costa Rica. When detectives examined the surveillance video, they learned Vallejos entered the business at 5:36 p.m. while other customers were inside. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. In the last 5 years Greeley has seen decreasing violent crime and decreasing property crime. Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. [21], Pankey knew he was a person of interest in September 2019 when he was interviewed by the Idaho Statesman. [13] Steven Pankey was 69 years old at the time of his indictment. Vega was allegedly sexually assaulted and killed. He interacted with Vega briefly at the shop's counter and then sat a table. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. SmartAssets free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. He shuffled papers in and out of his black backpack and wrote on them for an hour. Once the mystery attacker reached Heather, they ordered her to go down on her knees and began shooting incessantly at close range. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. Some experts speculate that each of these factors likely played a role in rising homicide rates nationwide. 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. On Thursday, the coroners office identified them as Richard Kraus, 83, Patricia Karus, 80, and Alan Kraus, 61, all of Greeley. She had a beautiful bright smile that could light up a room! Officers said Vallejos threw a brick through the window of the Greeley Church of Latter Day Saints and went inside. At 1:51 a.m. July 24, Evans police responded to a stabbing in a garage in the 4000 block of Mariposa Lane. [March 7, 1985]: I learned about Jonelle Matthews of Greeley, Colorado. Ketia Daniel, founder of BHM Cleaning Co., is BestReviews cleaning expert. At about that time, a car stored on their property caught fire and the burned car "was disposed of at a salvage yard". He has his first court appearance 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. GREELEY, Colo. (KDVR) Officers found a body outside a Greeley home shortly after midnight Saturday. 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. 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. 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. Vega and her vehicle were both missing. Upon retrial, Pankey was found guilty of the kidnapping and murder of Jonelle by a Weld County jury on October 31, 2022. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Deputies arrested him about an hour after finding his mother, 66-year-old June Martinez Faudoa, killed in her home just outside Eaton. The coworkers parked behind her station wagon and found her body inside. Officers found three people dead inside the home. 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. 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. New information from Greeley police has revealed some gruesome details about the sexual assault and murder of Angelica 'Angie' Vega. Randy Baker's Wife, Kelly, Found Him Dead On The Floor. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Jump to a detailed profile, search site with google or try advanced search. 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. [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 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. Connect with Trevor at (970) 392-4492, treid@greeleytribune.com or @treid71 on Twitter. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. 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. Besides, she was highly dedicated to her husband and their relationship meant the world to Heather.