According to the press release . Shawna Louise Buntz Nelson (pictured, left) was always looking for love. [10] At 8:15 PM, Jonelle arrived home in Greeley, Colorado, after getting a ride from her friend, DeeAnna Ross, and DeeAnna's father. Pankey's trial began on Thursday, October 14, 2021, ultimately ending in a mistrial on November 4, 2021, due to a hung jury. 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. New information from Greeley police has revealed some gruesome details about the sexual assault and murder of Angelica 'Angie' Vega. Multiple bullets hit the kneeling woman, who immediately collapsed on the ground while the assailant made a quick escape. Steve Pankey, who twice ran for governor of Idaho, is charged in the 1984 kidnapping and murder of Jonelle Matthews. 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". Seconds later, he was back in the frame without the hatchet. After, Vallejos removed a dark-colored cover from a nearby couch using the hatchet. [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. Records indicate he struck her in the head and delivered numerous blows. [2], Years after Jonelle's disappearance, her parents moved to the Philippines. [5], Jonelle Matthews was born at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California, on February 9, 1972, to 13-year-old Terri Vierra. [21] In 2018, Pankey had campaigned for the Idaho Republican Party's nomination for the position of governor of Idaho. Suspect Marcos Vallejos, 24, has been arrested and booked. The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Greeley is 273 to 1. Now, a memorial is set up outside of the nutrition shop with flowers and photos of Vega. His campaign website said that Pankey has studied criminal justice. She was beautiful smart loving and caring young lady filled with so much joy! The Moving can be an exciting experience. She was funny! Interestingly, Shawna was arrested on the same day as Heathers murder, and the police found her driving her husbands truck. He said he and his wife were home on the night of Jonelle's disappearance. 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. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Radin at (970) 350-9671. Here is a look at the states where gun sales are surging. GREELEY, Colo. (KDVR) Officers found a body outside a Greeley home shortly after midnight Saturday. When he arrived at NOCO Nutrition, the worker went inside to find a hatchet and a lot of blood, arrest records said. 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. 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. 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. . The man saw signs of someone being dragged as well as surveillance footage showing someone taking Vega. [5] document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The person reported seeing a body covered in the backseat. 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. According to court documents, in November, Vallejos was arrested on suspicion of second-degree burglary and criminal mischief, which are both misdemeanors. On Thursday, the coroner's office identified them as Richard Kraus, 83, Patricia Karus, 80, and Alan Kraus, 61, all of Greeley. [26] Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. Afterward, Vallejos took Vega's car keys and pulled her car closer to the business's front door. At 1:51 a.m. July 24, Evans police responded to a stabbing in a garage in the 4000 block of Mariposa Lane. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. [4] Steven Pankey was sentenced to life imprisonment on October 31, 2022, after his arrest in 2020. 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. GREELEY, CO - JAN. 28: University of Northern Colorado junior Hannah Simental dribbles around Northern Arizona's Regan Schenck during the Bears' basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, in Greeley. [22][23], On October 13, 2020, Pankey was indicted on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in Jonelle's death. The Moving can be an exciting experience. Greeley, Colorado, is one of only four large U.S. metro areas where murders more than tripled in the last year. 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. The Matthews notified Vierra about what happened and the families became friends. [13] Steven Pankey was 69 years old at the time of his indictment. 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. If youre ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. Vallejos briefly interacted with Vega at the counter before sitting down at a nearby table. 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. 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. [28] His earliest possible release date is in 2042, at which point he will be 91 years old. In a matter of three days, on October 12, 2020, police arrested Pankey for kidnapping and first-degree murder in Jonelle's case. He interacted with Vega briefly at the shop's counter and then sat a table. New information from Greeley police has revealed some gruesome details about the sexual assault and murder of Angelica 'Angie' Vega. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. On Monday, Weld Judge Vincente Vigil imposed the maximum sentence of 60 years in the . Eventually, Vallejos followed her behind the counter and attacked her from behind with a hatchet. 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. GREELEY, Colo. (KDVR) The family of a 22-year-old woman who was killed Friday night has identified her as Angie Vega. "[13], Jennifer Mogensen, Jonelle's older sister, said her family experienced "some closure" when they learned that Jonelle was murdered and she considers Pankey's arrest "another gift to our family". Greeley Police said they were called just before 8 p.m. Friday to a report of suspicious activity at Noco. Suspect Marcos Vallejos, 24, has been arrested and booked into Weld County Jail on charges of first-degree murder and sexual assault. The victim, identified by her family as Angie Vega, was allegedly sexually. 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. On Thursday, the coroners office identified them as Richard Kraus, 83, Patricia Karus, 80, and Alan Kraus, 61, all of Greeley. 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. However, Ignacio soon realized his mistake, and apart from breaking up with Shawna, even gave up his parental rights. - A Greeley man was sentenced to the rest of his life in prison this week for murdering a woman in 2018. The incident angered Shawna greatly, and authorities discovered that she had been sending threatening messages to Ignacio and Heather for quite some time. Randy Baker's Wife, Kelly, Found Him Dead On The Floor. At 6:25 p.m., Vallejos got up from his table and walked to the restroom. The coworkers parked behind her station wagon and found her body inside. [13] She also said that after their return, Pankey forced her to read to him newspaper articles concerning the case. By the time first responders arrived at the murder scene, Heather was lying in a pool of blood on the ground. When the police initially approached Shawna, she insisted on her innocence and denied being involved in Heathers murder. According to the Greeley Police Department (GPD), officers were called to the 4900 block of 23rd Street Road just. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. A witness told police they saw a lot of blood and a hatchet at the business before police arrived. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. People from the community came by all day Saturday to pay their respects. 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. The Moving can be an exciting experience. She was pronounced dead at 10:59 p.m. Police found Vallejos backpack in the front seat of the car. The City-Data.com crime index weighs serious crimes and violent crimes more heavily. Big Sky Tournament: UNC men's, women's basketball have tough road in Boise. "We're here for you. Jennifer McRae is a digital media producer. [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. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. Three people are dead after an apparent murder-suicide in Greeley Saturday. Jan 18, 2022 Updated Jan 18, 2022. The police department said anyone with more information regarding the case could call 970-350-9671. The number of homicides stood at 2. [16] She appears in the International Center for Unidentified and Missing Persons' database. [21] He was held without bail at the Ada County Jail in Boise until he was extradited to Colorado. Family members identified the woman killed as 22-year-old Angelica "Angie" Vega. People who knew her described her as a wonderful and kind individual who welcomed everyone with a smile and was always ready to extend a helping hand. 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. According to the arrest affidavit, surveillance cameras showed Vallejos enter Noco Nutrition at 5:36 p.m. with a backpack over his shoulder. Greeley Police arrested Marcos Vallejos in the death of Angie Vega. If youre an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. Police have arrested a suspect and charged him with murder. Greeley resident Leandra Walker never met Vega or her family, but she left flowers and a poem at the store. When the police began investigating Heathers death, they turned to the eyewitnesses who were present on the scene and recorded their accounts. 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. At about that time, a car stored on their property caught fire and the burned car "was disposed of at a salvage yard". Every picture of Vega at the memorials shows her smile. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Angie always put her mother and siblings first!". However, once she clocked out and was about to return home, a dark figure approached her in the parking lot. Weld County Courthouse. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. When officers arrived, they found Vega's glasses in the parking lot and blood on the sidewalk in front of the business. 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. During this time, Vega put things away and cleaned up the counter. Shortly after 8:30 PM, Jonelle answered a phone call and took a message for her father. 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 . UNC lost to NAU, 62-59, in overtime. Greeley Police said officers were searching the area near where Vega's car was found and spotted Vallejos nearby. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. 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. During the interview in the field and at the police station, officers said that Vallejos made several incoherent or nonsensical statements. 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 spike in homicides came during a tumultuous year. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools and left millions of Americans out of work. / CBS Colorado. 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. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit. [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 Weld County Coroners Office on Thursday publicly identified the three people killed in a suspected murder-suicide over the weekend in Greeley. [March 7, 1985]: I learned about Jonelle Matthews of Greeley, Colorado. 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. 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 . On Oct. 29, 2020, Greeley officers responded to a shooting around 3 a.m. in the 1100 block alley between 11th and 12th streets. Vallejos failed to show up for a court date in March. Her father arrived home at 9:30 PM and found the garage door open, but no one was in the house. 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. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. [14] She was mentioned in the Congressional Record for the United States House of Representatives on April 2, 1985, page 7224. Vallejos returned to the cameras view to retrieve the hatchet and take it back to the office area. Officers searched for him in the area and saw him walking a few blocks away. Arrest affidavit reveals timeline of gruesome sexual assault, murder in Greeley, sexual assault and murder of Angelica 'Angie' Vega. 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 was seen on security cameras cleaning and preparing to close the store. 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. Officers found three people dead inside the home. He told officers he was the guy they were looking for, according to arrest records. Police arrested a suspect, identified as Marco Vallejos. When officers arrived, the store was in disarray with large amounts of blood found inside. When officers arrived at the business, they found Vega's glasses and a lot of blood, along with her finger. Officers said Vallejos threw a brick through the window of the Greeley Church of Latter Day Saints and went inside. Pankey pleaded not guilty for those crimes . 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. Their father began to worry and called police. 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. He then dragged Vega a few feet before sexually assaulting her, records said. , 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? To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. GREELEY, Colo. ( KDVR) The family of a 22-year-old woman who was killed Friday night has identified her as Angie Vega. Introduction. 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. [21], Pankey's ex-wife, Angela Hicks,[21] said they started their trip on December 22, two days after Jonelle's disappearance. Moreover, officers also found a Grim Reaper mask in the truck the accused was driving, further strengthening their case. [19][20] The forensic report listed Jonelle's cause of death as "a gunshot wound to the head".[13][21]. Officers responded to the convenience store and found Vegas body. Surprisingly, the killer was dressed in a black robe and was hiding their face with a grim reaper mask. 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. Jump to a detailed profile, search site with google or try advanced search. Police continue to investigate the shooting. They asked anyone with more information about the case to call Detective Onderlinde at 970-350-9676. When produced in court, Shawna maintained her innocence but was soon convicted of first-degree murder. She was very unique and had a heart of gold! New information from Greeley police has revealed some gruesome details about the sexual assault and murder of Angelica 'Angie' Vega. She had goals and loved adventures! That's about a mile from where the attack happened. If you need anything, we're here," Bowie said. The 2019 Greeley crime rate fell by 9% compared to 2018. The affidavit says that as officers approached, Vallejos said something to the effect of "Yeah, I'm your guy.". 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. We're praying for your family. The day of January 23, 2007, was a normal one at the Garraus household as Heather left for work as scheduled. His bond was set to $100,000. 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. At his son's funeral, Hicks reportedly heard Pankey say, "I hope God didn't allow this to happen because of Jonelle Matthews. [9] The phone call was the last time anyone was known to have spoken with Jonelle. [21] Pankey had claimed that on the evening of Jonelle's abduction, a rake was used to cover up tracks left in the snow. 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. Therefore, Shawna was arrested and charged with murder. [21], On October 13, 2020, Steven Pankey was indicted on charges of murdering and kidnapping Matthews. Tawnya Bowie, who owns the business next door to Noco Nutrition, said they hope to support the family through some kind of fundraising event. The victim had a deep laceration from behind his left ear extending to the base of his skull. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. The friend said Vega would take her siblings out to dinner one day a month to spend time with them. Jaramillo has several warrants out for his arrest, dating back to traffic charges in February. 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. According to a recent FBI report, there were a total of 21,570. Community members like Irene Castillo said Vega was a sweet girl who was loved by many. Pankey repeatedly claimed to have knowledge of the crime and had asked "for immunity in exchange for information". Police determined Jaramillo left the scene in a Dodge. We want safety, so the powers that be put more lights up here. She said that on their return trip, Pankey "uncharacteristically listened to the radio, searching for news of the girl's disappearance". The affidavit says he was out of camera view. She also said this trip was unexpected. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. She had a beautiful bright smile that could light up a room! 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. Later, police said he referred to his right arm as the one that kills people. 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. At this point, Vega was draped in a blanket. He returned seconds later with his right hand covered in blood before going outside to pull Vegas vehicle closer to the business. City-data.com does not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of any information on this site. 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. David . Jonelle's sister married and moved out of Colorado. In the minutes that followed, Vallejos made spontaneous and unsolicited statements that he killed someone. Police said Saturday they were investigating incident as possible murder-suicide, Yellow crime tape blocks off an area. [21] In 2008, Pankey's son was murdered. He took his backpack but left a piece of paper at the table. Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you Trevor Reid covers public safety issues for the Greeley Tribune. Jaramillo has several active warrants, but has not been taken into custody for the July 24 stabbing.