Vallejos briefly interacted with Vega at the counter before sitting down at a nearby table. [5] 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. Pankey repeatedly claimed to have knowledge of the crime and had asked "for immunity in exchange for information". The police arrived at 10:15 PM and found footprints in the snow, indicating that someone had been looking in the windows. [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. By the time first responders arrived at the murder scene, Heather was lying in a pool of blood on the ground. Their father began to worry and called police. [21], On October 13, 2020, Steven Pankey was indicted on charges of murdering and kidnapping Matthews. The 2019 crime rate in Greeley, CO is 233 (City-Data.com crime index), which is comparable to the U.S. average. 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. [21], Pankey knew he was a person of interest in September 2019 when he was interviewed by the Idaho Statesman. 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. It was higher than in 74.7% U.S. cities. He took his backpack but left a piece of paper at the table. When produced in court, Shawna maintained her innocence but was soon convicted of first-degree murder. [28] His earliest possible release date is in 2042, at which point he will be 91 years old. The jury found him guilty on a charge of false reporting", "Steve Pankey's Defense Poses Theory That Another Man Killed Jonelle Matthews In 1984", "Steve Pankey found guilty of kidnapping, felony murder in Jonelle Matthews case", "Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Jonelle Matthews' 1984 Murder", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Murder_of_Jonelle_Matthews&oldid=1140455492, December 1984 events in the United States, Pages using infobox person with multiple organizations, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Member of Sunny View Church of the Nazarene and Franklin Middle School Choir, Jennifer Mogensen (sister), Terri Vierra-Martinez (biological mother), This page was last edited on 20 February 2023, at 04:04. Police said the investigation is still ongoing. People from the community came by all day Saturday to pay their respects. [3] Her remains were discovered on July 24, 2019, by construction workers putting in a new pipeline 15 mi (24 km) from her home. Firearms sales soared, and tens of millions of new guns proliferated across communities nationwide. Just after 6:15 p.m., the last customer left the store, leaving Vega alone inside with Vallejos, the affidavit says. Besides, she was highly dedicated to her husband and their relationship meant the world to Heather. 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. Surprisingly, the killer was dressed in a black robe and was hiding their face with a grim reaper mask. Police arrested a suspect, identified as Marco Vallejos. Homicide is Soaring in the Greeley, CO Metro Area Samuel Stebbins Homicides are rising at a record pace in the United States. The Matthews notified Vierra about what happened and the families became friends. In the last 5 years Greeley has seen decreasing violent crime and decreasing property crime. 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. [9] The phone call was the last time anyone was known to have spoken with Jonelle. On Monday, Weld Judge Vincente Vigil imposed the maximum sentence of 60 years in the . Her father arrived home at 9:30 PM and found the garage door open, but no one was in the house. 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. On Thursday, the coroners office identified them as Richard Kraus, 83, Patricia Karus, 80, and Alan Kraus, 61, all of Greeley. - A Greeley man was sentenced to the rest of his life in prison this week for murdering a woman in 2018. Pankey pleaded not guilty for those crimes . Jonelle's sister married and moved out of Colorado. While Vega was motionless on the floor, Vallejos laid the weapon on the counter and walked back toward the restroom and office area. [2], Years after Jonelle's disappearance, her parents moved to the Philippines. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. 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? President Ronald Reagan mentioned Jonelle Matthews in a speech on March 7, 1985, from Room 450 of the Old Executive Office Building. Police have arrested a suspect and charged him with murder. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. Vega was allegedly sexually assaulted and killed. August 30, 2022 / 1:01 PM 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. Steve Pankey, who twice ran for governor of Idaho, is charged in the 1984 kidnapping and murder of Jonelle Matthews. [2] In 1994, Jonelle was declared legally dead. Suspect Marcos Vallejos, 24, has been arrested and booked. According to the Greeley Police Department (GPD), officers were called to the 4900 block of 23rd Street Road just. 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. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit. Officers searched for him in the area and saw him walking a few blocks away. When officers arrived, they found a wounded man on the ground with. 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. His bond was set to $100,000. She was pronounced dead at 10:59 p.m. Police found Vallejos backpack in the front seat of the car. 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. Moreover, the people who saw the murder also claimed that the killer showed no compassion, and it seemed like a personal attack. The City-Data.com crime index weighs serious crimes and violent crimes more heavily. [13], A few months following Jonelle's disappearance, Pankey attended a church service where a minister claimed that Jonelle would be found safe. He laid the weapon on the couch and placed Vega on the cover. A customer also told her someone broke into the business and there was blood on the floor. Jaramillo has several warrants out for his arrest, dating back to traffic charges in February. 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. 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. [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. The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Greeley is 273 to 1. In metropolitan areas across the country, the increase in homicides last year eclipsed the national surge in some cases, many times over. 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. 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.. She was funny! He has an advisement hearing scheduled for this charge 9 a.m. Aug. 18. Vallejos failed to show up for a court date in March. The Weld County Coroners Office on Thursday publicly identified the three people killed in a suspected murder-suicide over the weekend in Greeley. The number of homicides stood at 2. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. The tree died after a few years and a plaque inscribed with Jonelle's name disappeared. The incident angered Shawna greatly, and authorities discovered that she had been sending threatening messages to Ignacio and Heather for quite some time. Police said Saturday they were investigating incident as possible murder-suicide, Yellow crime tape blocks off an area. 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. His campaign website said that Pankey has studied criminal justice. 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. The video shows Vallejos sexually assaulting Vega. "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. [4] Steven Pankey was sentenced to life imprisonment on October 31, 2022, after his arrest in 2020. 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Her family said at work, she wrote a message on every cup to cheer up customers. 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. She was found dead in her car after she went missing from her place of work at NOCO Nutrition. [13][21] According to the 2020 indictment statement, shortly following their return to Greeley, Pankey started digging in their yard. [2] Vierra had used a search consultant to help locate Jonelle. [26] [10] At 8:15 PM, Jonelle arrived home in Greeley, Colorado, after getting a ride from her friend, DeeAnna Ross, and DeeAnna's father. [5], Jonelle Matthews was born at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California, on February 9, 1972, to 13-year-old Terri Vierra. Lets delve into the details surrounding the crime and find out more, shall we? Police continue to investigate the shooting. After, Vallejos removed a dark-colored cover from a nearby couch using the hatchet. At 6:36 p.m., Vallejos followed Vega behind the counter and attacked her from behind with a hatchet, the affidavit says. During this time, Vega put things away and cleaned up the counter. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Introduction. 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. Deputies arrested him about an hour after finding his mother, 66-year-old June Martinez Faudoa, killed in her home just outside Eaton. Officers said Vallejos threw a brick through the window of the Greeley Church of Latter Day Saints and went inside. [22][23], On October 13, 2020, Pankey was indicted on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in Jonelle's death. Vegas body was inside that car. In 2007, Shawna Nelson was a former Weld County police dispatcher who was married to a Weld County Sheriff, Deputy Ken Nelson. At about that time, a car stored on their property caught fire and the burned car "was disposed of at a salvage yard". Jan 18, 2022 Updated Jan 18, 2022. However, once she clocked out and was about to return home, a dark figure approached her in the parking lot. Weld County Courthouse. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Angie always put her mother and siblings first!". 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 Moving can be an exciting experience. [13] Decades later, Pankey provided investigators with documents concerning this trip, which police said contained "false statements and superfluous details". 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"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.. Upon arrival, officers found the victim on the floor of the garage while two witnesses were providing help to the severely injured man. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Here is a look at the states where gun sales are surging. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. Big Sky Tournament: UNC men's, women's basketball have tough road in Boise. Our top 10 tips from residents, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. 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. Interestingly, Shawna was arrested on the same day as Heathers murder, and the police found her driving her husbands truck. 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. The person reported seeing a body covered in the backseat. but it can also be stressful. Officers helped tend to the victims injuries until Evans fire personnel arrived. A few co-workers mentioned that although Heather was a wonderful person, a woman named Shawna Nelson had a massive grudge against her. Upon arrival, officers found the victim on the floor of the garage while two witnesses were providing help to the severely injured man. When the police began investigating Heathers death, they turned to the eyewitnesses who were present on the scene and recorded their accounts. [21] He was held without bail at the Ada County Jail in Boise until he was extradited to Colorado. Greeley resident Leandra Walker never met Vega or her family, but she left flowers and a poem at the store. 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 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. At this point, Vega was draped in a blanket. "We're here for you. GREELEY, Colo. ( KDVR) The family of a 22-year-old woman who was killed Friday night has identified her as Angie Vega. Family members identified the woman killed as 22-year-old Angelica "Angie" Vega. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. Greeley Police arrested Marcos Vallejos in the death of Angie Vega. Twenty-four-year-old Marcos Vallejos was arrested shortly after and charged with sexual assault and first-degree murder. Police said the missing woman was found dead in the backseat. RELATED: 'She was always smiling': Family remembers woman killed at Greeley smoothie shop. [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. Jonelle was adopted in March 1972 by James "Jim" and Gloria Matthews, a married couple with a daughter, living in Greeley, Colorado. , Potholes return to Evergreen road known for problems, Students weigh in on school resource officer debate, Suncor to restart plants, expects late March reopening, Assault weapons ban introduced in Colorado, Makar cleared to return from 2nd concussion protocol, Advocates, community urge lawmakers to act on guns, Twins walking in all 50 states for foster kids, 100s march to Capitol, demand tougher gun laws, Denver weather: Pleasant weekend before snow, cold, Suncor issues warning of flares during restart of, Boeing CEO loses $7M bonus, keeps $22.5 million compensation, Bruce Springsteen surprises shop owner before concert, Man faces charges after LoDo fight victim dies, Ramsey house in Boulder on market for $7 million, New to Denver? [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. 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. We want safety, so the powers that be put more lights up here. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. The caller said Vega was supposed to close the business at 7 p.m. Discuss Greeley, Colorado (CO) on our hugely popular Colorado forum. Jaramillo has several active warrants, but has not been taken into custody for the July 24 stabbing. 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. 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. Paramedics arrived to take the victim to North Colorado Medical Center. Seconds later, he was back in the frame without the hatchet. 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. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. [21] In 2008, Pankey's son was murdered. UNC lost to NAU, 62-59, in overtime. Vallejos retrieved the piece of paper he left at the table earlier, folded it and placed it at the end of the counter. 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. At his son's funeral, Hicks reportedly heard Pankey say, "I hope God didn't allow this to happen because of Jonelle 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. Vallejos was booked into the Weld County Jail on first-degree murder and sexual assault charges. 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 . Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. 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.