He interacted with Vega briefly at the shop's counter and then sat a table. 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. If you need anything, we're here," Bowie said. On surveillance, Vallejos was seen moving her body to the backseat of the vehicle. 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. 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. Vallejos also claimed he had no rights and didnt understand them. The affidavit says he was out of camera view. During this time, Vega put things away and cleaned up the counter. 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. 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. Homicide is Soaring in the Greeley, CO Metro Area Samuel Stebbins Homicides are rising at a record pace in the United States. We love Greeley, we love the community. Police said Saturday they were investigating incident as possible murder-suicide, Yellow crime tape blocks off an area. He took his backpack but left a piece of paper at the table. 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. A Greeley detective accessed the interior video surveillance from NOCO Nutrition. New information from Greeley police has revealed some gruesome details about the sexual assault and murder of Angelica 'Angie' Vega. [13][21] According to the 2020 indictment statement, shortly following their return to Greeley, Pankey started digging in their yard. Introduction. Randy Baker was killed in 2017. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. Records indicate he struck her in the head and delivered numerous blows. 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. 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. 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. Officers helped tend to the victims injuries until Evans fire personnel arrived. They are currently retired and living in Costa Rica. 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 . Officers searched for him in the area and saw him walking a few blocks away. The day of January 23, 2007, was a normal one at the Garraus household as Heather left for work as scheduled. Vegas body was inside that car. People from the community came by all day Saturday to pay their respects. A few co-workers mentioned that although Heather was a wonderful person, a woman named Shawna Nelson had a massive grudge against her. Jump to a detailed profile, search site with google or try advanced search. A young woman found dead in the back of her vehicle Friday night in Greeley has been identified, and a suspect is in custody. [9] The phone call was the last time anyone was known to have spoken with Jonelle. If youre ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. 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. [13], A few months following Jonelle's disappearance, Pankey attended a church service where a minister claimed that Jonelle would be found safe. 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. 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. Angie always put her mother and siblings first!". Police said the investigation is still ongoing. The coworkers parked behind her station wagon and found her body inside. 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. Vallejos was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and sexual assault. In 2010, the Greeley Tribune published another summary of the case. He also claimed to have watched students walking home from the middle school which Jonelle attended. His bond was set to $100,000. 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. [5] Greeley Police said they were called just before 8 p.m. Friday to a report of suspicious activity at Noco. 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 . The Moving can be an exciting experience. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Radin at (970) 350-9671. Just after 6:15 p.m., the last customer left the store, leaving Vega alone inside with Vallejos, the affidavit says. Murders A-Z is a collection of true crime stories that take an in-depth look at both little-known and infamous murders throughout history. Officers responded to the store and found Vegas glasses in the parking lot, as well as blood on the sidewalk near the front entrance. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. Vallejos briefly interacted with Vega at the counter before sitting down at a nearby table. [21] In 2018, Pankey had campaigned for the Idaho Republican Party's nomination for the position of governor of Idaho. Footage of the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer rattled confidence in American law enforcement and sparked nationwide protests. Marcos Vallejos, 24, is being charged with murder in the first degree and sexual assault. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Seconds later, he was back in the frame without the hatchet. Here is a look at the states where gun sales are surging. "I hope maybe her family can see that there are people who care even though we didn't know her," Walker said. GREELEY, Colo. (KDVR) The family of a 22-year-old woman who was killed Friday night has identified her as Angie Vega. Officers helped tend to the victim's injuries until Evans fire personnel arrived. She also said this trip was unexpected. [19][20] The forensic report listed Jonelle's cause of death as "a gunshot wound to the head".[13][21]. She had goals and loved adventures! However, once she clocked out and was about to return home, a dark figure approached her in the parking lot. Nearly three weeks after two men were shot in Greeley, investigators have arrested a 32-year-old woman in connection with the shooting, the Greeley Police Department announced. Police determined Jaramillo left the scene in a Dodge. 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. 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. At his son's funeral, Hicks reportedly heard Pankey say, "I hope God didn't allow this to happen because of Jonelle Matthews. Weld County Courthouse. 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. 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. According to the arrest affidavit, surveillance cameras showed Vallejos enter Noco Nutrition at 5:36 p.m. with a backpack over his shoulder. Police continue to investigate the shooting. The Weld County Coroners Office on Thursday publicly identified the three people killed in a suspected murder-suicide over the weekend in Greeley. Arrest affidavit reveals timeline of gruesome sexual assault, murder in Greeley, sexual assault and murder of Angelica 'Angie' Vega. 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. Vallejos was booked into the Weld County Jail on first-degree murder and sexual assault charges. Pankey told the newspaper that he did not know Jonelle or the Matthews family and had only heard about them following the disappearance. Shortly after 8:30 PM, Jonelle answered a phone call and took a message for her father. He then leaves and pulls his car closer to the business. SHE had dreams! Greeley Police arrested Marcos Vallejos in the death of Angie Vega. She was found dead in her car after she went missing from her place of work at NOCO Nutrition. Lets not have this repeat again,Castillo said. 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. Homicides are rising at a record pace in the United States. First published on August 30, 2022 / 1:01 PM. 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. Moreover, officers also found a Grim Reaper mask in the truck the accused was driving, further strengthening their case. By the time first responders arrived at the murder scene, Heather was lying in a pool of blood on the ground. Greeley, Colorado, is one of only four large U.S. metro areas where murders more than tripled in the last year. She found it on the job, working as a 911 dispatcher, and falling in love with Sheriff's deputy Ken Nelson. At 6:36 p.m., Vallejos followed Vega behind the counter and attacked her from behind with a hatchet, the affidavit says. During the interview in the field and at the police station, officers said that Vallejos made several incoherent or nonsensical statements. When officers arrived, the store was in disarray with large amounts of blood found inside. Police responded to the home after a caller requested police check on a family member due to getting concerning text messages. The spike in homicides came during a tumultuous year. She said theyre pushing for better safety in this area. When officers arrived at the business, they found Vega's glasses and a lot of blood, along with her finger. Jonelle was adopted in March 1972 by James "Jim" and Gloria Matthews, a married couple with a daughter, living in Greeley, Colorado. [13] Decades later, Pankey provided investigators with documents concerning this trip, which police said contained "false statements and superfluous details". Here is a look at the states where gun sales are surging. Jennifer McRae is a digital media producer. On Oct. 29, 2020, Greeley officers responded to a shooting around 3 a.m. in the 1100 block alley between 11th and 12th streets. During his interview with a detective, Vallejos made statements about Jesus Christ, Sophia, Mexicans, Mormons, magnets and politics, records said. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Greeley Police responded to the business for a wellness check after they were tipped off that someone might have broken in and the woman who was scheduled to close was missing. The Matthews notified Vierra about what happened and the families became friends. Steve Pankey, who twice ran for governor of Idaho, is charged in the 1984 kidnapping and murder of Jonelle Matthews. [28] His earliest possible release date is in 2042, at which point he will be 91 years old. Lets delve into the details surrounding the crime and find out more, shall we? Higher means more crime, U.S. average is 270.6. [27] He received a sentence of 20 years to life in prison. The victim had a deep laceration from behind his left ear extending to the base of his skull. After, Vallejos removed a dark-colored cover from a nearby couch using the hatchet. Interestingly, Shawna was arrested on the same day as Heathers murder, and the police found her driving her husbands truck. Besides, she was highly dedicated to her husband and their relationship meant the world to Heather. Jaramillo has several warrants out for his arrest, dating back to traffic charges in February. When the police began investigating Heathers death, they turned to the eyewitnesses who were present on the scene and recorded their accounts. Based on DNA evidence, the Weld County Coroner's Office positively identified the remains as being those of Jonelle Matthews. Now, a memorial is set up outside of the nutrition shop with flowers and photos of Vega. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. but it can also be stressful. 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. Her father arrived home at 9:30 PM and found the garage door open, but no one was in the house. There were no signs of a struggle or of forced entry. If youre an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools and left millions of Americans out of work. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. but it can also be stressful. Use at your own risk. 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. Family members identified the woman killed as 22-year-old Angelica "Angie" Vega. According to the witnesses, the assailant who attacked Heather spoke in a womans voice and even blamed the victim for ruining her life. A family friend said Vega had a heart of gold and worked hard to help her mom and siblings in every way she could. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. A news release from the coroner's office notes they were family. Our top 10 tips from residents, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. "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. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. He has his first court appearance 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Upon retrial, Pankey was found guilty of the kidnapping and murder of Jonelle by a Weld County jury on October 31, 2022. She cherished life and those in it! Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. Paramedics arrived to take the victim to North Colorado Medical Center. 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. The man saw signs of someone being dragged as well as surveillance footage showing someone taking Vega. The friend said Vega would take her siblings out to dinner one day a month to spend time with them. [4] Steven Pankey was sentenced to life imprisonment on October 31, 2022, after his arrest in 2020. 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. [13] She also said that after their return, Pankey forced her to read to him newspaper articles concerning the case. The tree died after a few years and a plaque inscribed with Jonelle's name disappeared. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Meet the news team or contact us. At 1:51 a.m. July 24, Evans police responded to a stabbing in a garage in the 4000 block of Mariposa Lane. A customer also told her someone broke into the business and there was blood on the floor. Every picture of Vega at the memorials shows her smile. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. Married With Secrets is in Greeley, Colorado, to investigate the murder of Heather Garraus, who was killed by Shawna Nelson, the spurned lover of her husband. He has an advisement hearing scheduled for this charge 9 a.m. Aug. 18. Firearms sales soared, and tens of millions of new guns proliferated across communities nationwide. Vallejos failed to show up for a court date in March. Pankey's trial began on Thursday, October 14, 2021, ultimately ending in a mistrial on November 4, 2021, due to a hung jury. [21] Pankey had claimed that on the evening of Jonelle's abduction, a rake was used to cover up tracks left in the snow. The police arrived at 10:15 PM and found footprints in the snow, indicating that someone had been looking in the windows. Discuss Greeley, Colorado (CO) on our hugely popular Colorado forum. 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. At 1:51 a.m. July 24, Evans police responded to a stabbing in a garage in the 4000 block of Mariposa Lane. 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. Vallejos returned to the cameras view to retrieve the hatchet and take it back to the office area. She was found dead in. 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. In the last 5 years Greeley has seen decreasing violent crime and decreasing property crime. He left in and out of the frame several times and moved the hatchet back to the counter before placing the folded paper into his backpack. Greeley Police said officers were searching the area near where Vega's car was found and spotted Vallejos nearby. The 2019 Greeley crime rate fell by 9% compared to 2018. 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. Three people are dead after an apparent murder-suicide in Greeley Saturday. [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". [13] Hicks said they returned to Greeley on December 26 and that Pankey took an unusual interest in the disappearance. He was last booked into the Weld County Jail on July 6, on suspicion of first-degree assault. While Vega was motionless on the floor, Vallejos laid the weapon on the counter and walked back toward the restroom and office 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. Example video title will go here for this video. [21] In 2008, Pankey's son was murdered. The person reported seeing a body covered in the backseat. 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. The worker contacted another person to go check out the business. 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. 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. Moreover, the people who saw the murder also claimed that the killer showed no compassion, and it seemed like a personal attack. 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. Her family said at work, she wrote a message on every cup to cheer up customers. He also had a laceration to the left pectoral muscle and several puncture wounds along his left side. Please enter valid email address to continue. 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. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. The victim eventually stopped breathing and his pulse could not be detected, according to Evans police. At about that time, a car stored on their property caught fire and the burned car "was disposed of at a salvage yard". You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. 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. "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.. Officers responded to the convenience store and found Vegas body. She was funny! She was beautiful smart loving and caring young lady filled with so much joy! Connect with Trevor at (970) 392-4492, treid@greeleytribune.com or @treid71 on Twitter. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Later, police said he referred to his right arm as the one that kills people. The City-Data.com crime index weighs serious crimes and violent crimes more heavily. Surprisingly, the killer was dressed in a black robe and was hiding their face with a grim reaper mask. Officers found three people dead inside the home. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Mogensen's father was reportedly "especially excited to see justice". Officers said Vallejos threw a brick through the window of the Greeley Church of Latter Day Saints and went inside. Hicks claimed to have heard Pankey muttering in response, accusing the minister of being a false prophet. [17], A chokecherry tree was planted in front of Franklin Middle School in memory of Jonelle. Police said the missing woman was found dead in the backseat. / CBS Colorado. 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. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. but it can also be stressful. 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. Vega was allegedly sexually assaulted and killed. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. She had a beautiful bright smile that could light up a room! 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. Incidentally, Heather also worked at the Colorado State Employees Credit Union in Greeley, and co-workers couldnt help but praise her diligence. Upon arrival, officers found the victim on the floor of the garage while two witnesses were providing help to the severely injured man. The affidavit says that as officers approached, Vallejos said something to the effect of "Yeah, I'm your guy.". When he arrived at NOCO Nutrition, the worker went inside to find a hatchet and a lot of blood, arrest records said. Eventually, Vallejos followed her behind the counter and attacked her from behind with a hatchet. A few moments later, he left his table and walked around the counter to the restroom out of the cameras view. Suspect Marcos Vallejos, 24, has been arrested and booked. That's about a mile from where the attack happened. 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. RELATED: 'She was always smiling': Family remembers woman killed at Greeley smoothie shop. Jan 18, 2022 Updated Jan 18, 2022. A witness told police they saw a lot of blood and a hatchet at the business before police arrived. [21], The police announced that Pankey had long been a person of interest in the case. [14] She was mentioned in the Congressional Record for the United States House of Representatives on April 2, 1985, page 7224. [15] As recently as 2018, Greeley Police had been re-contacting witnesses and applying the latest forensic advances in their investigation. When the police initially approached Shawna, she insisted on her innocence and denied being involved in Heathers murder. She was pronounced dead at 10:59 p.m. Police found Vallejos backpack in the front seat of the car. 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".