She was pronounced dead at 10:59 p.m. Police found Vallejos backpack in the front seat of the car. She had goals and loved adventures! A witness told police they saw a lot of blood and a hatchet at the business before police arrived. Jan 18, 2022 Updated Jan 18, 2022. Following extradition from Idaho, Pankey made his first appearance in a Colorado courtroom in Greeley on October 30, 2020.[24]. He told officers he was the guy they were looking for, according to arrest records. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana). New information from Greeley police has revealed some gruesome details about the sexual assault and murder of Angelica 'Angie' Vega. A little after 10:30 p.m., police found Vega's vehicle a little over a mile away, near 71st Avenue and 20th Street. [13] Steven Pankey was 69 years old at the time of his indictment. but it can also be stressful. He also claimed to have watched students walking home from the middle school which Jonelle attended. If youre ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. Heather Garraus Murder: Latest Recycling of a Colorado Crime Story He interacted with Vega briefly at the shop's counter and then sat a table. He shuffled papers in and out of his black backpack and wrote on them for an hour. The affidavit says he was out of camera view. According to the court documents, the video shows Vallejos going to the counter and speaking to Vega before he sits at a nearby table and shuffles papers in and out of his backpack, drawing and writing on them. 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. [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. 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. 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. Suspect Marcos Vallejos, 24, has been arrested and booked into Weld County Jail on charges of first-degree murder and sexual assault. A news release from the coroners office notes they were family. [5], Jonelle Matthews was born at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California, on February 9, 1972, to 13-year-old Terri Vierra. [13][21] According to the 2020 indictment statement, shortly following their return to Greeley, Pankey started digging in their yard. According to the Greeley. The 2019 Greeley crime rate fell by 9% compared to 2018. Hicks claimed to have heard Pankey muttering in response, accusing the minister of being a false prophet. He then dragged Vega a few feet before sexually assaulting her, records said. On Thursday, the coroner's office identified them as Richard Kraus, 83, Patricia Karus, 80, and Alan Kraus, 61, all of Greeley. [9] Jonelle's older sister, Jennifer, got home at 10:00 PM, but had not seen her. Police have arrested a suspect and charged him with murder. Jonelle was adopted in March 1972 by James "Jim" and Gloria Matthews, a married couple with a daughter, living in Greeley, Colorado. 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. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The tree died after a few years and a plaque inscribed with Jonelle's name disappeared. Discuss Greeley, Colorado (CO) on our hugely popular Colorado forum. When he arrived at NOCO Nutrition, the worker went inside to find a hatchet and a lot of blood, arrest records said. When officers arrived, they found Vega's glasses in the parking lot and blood on the sidewalk in front of the business. We want safety, so the powers that be put more lights up here. Shawna Louise Nelson Killed Her Lover's Wife, Tried To Blame Her Now, a memorial is set up outside of the nutrition shop with flowers and photos of Vega. Vega and her vehicle were both missing. "[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". [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". We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Jonelle Matthews was a 12-year-old American girl who disappeared near Greeley, Colorado, on December 20, 1984. Pankey repeatedly claimed to have knowledge of the crime and had asked "for immunity in exchange for information". Greeley, Colorado, is one of only four large U.S. metro areas where murders more than tripled in the 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. Man charged with murder after police find body outside Greeley home 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. 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. "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.. Weld County Sheriff, DA announce arrest in 1979 murder of Evelyn Kay In 1997, Gloria Matthews received a letter from Vierra requesting permission to visit Jonelle. Her father arrived home at 9:30 PM and found the garage door open, but no one was in the house. New information from Greeley police has revealed some gruesome details about the sexual assault and murder of Angelica 'Angie' Vega. Please enter valid email address to continue. [21], The police announced that Pankey had long been a person of interest in the case. 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 MURDER: Woman found dead in back of car after missing from work Family members identified the woman killed as 22-year-old Angelica "Angie" Vega. The suspect is Jessica Reeves-Burrola, according to jail records. 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. Example video title will go here for this video. By Bryan Pietsch Oct. 13, 2020 DENVER For more than three decades, the disappearance of Jonelle Matthews hung over the city of Greeley, Colo., where the 12-year-old was taken from her family's. The victim, identified by her family as Angie Vega, was allegedly sexually. Coroner identifies 3 found dead at home in Greeley - KMGH You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. 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. Officers helped tend to the victim's injuries until Evans fire personnel arrived. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit. [26] Homicide is Soaring in the Greeley, CO Metro Area - 24/7 Wall St A news release from the coroner's office notes they were family. Greeley gang leader will 'never walk the streets again' - FOX31 Denver Randy Baker's Wife, Kelly, Found Him Dead On The Floor. The Moving can be an exciting experience. Steve Pankey, who twice ran for governor of Idaho, is charged in the 1984 kidnapping and murder of Jonelle Matthews. Just after 6:15 p.m., the last customer left the store, leaving Vega alone inside with Vallejos, the affidavit says. , 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? 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. The Moving can be an exciting experience. At 1:51 a.m. July 24, Evans police responded to a stabbing in a garage in the 4000 block of Mariposa Lane. 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. 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. 'An Overwhelming Number Of Lies': Colorado Counselor Slain In Life Some experts speculate that each of these factors likely played a role in rising homicide rates nationwide. Greeley Police said officers were searching the area near where Vega's car was found and spotted Vallejos nearby. The day of January 23, 2007, was a normal one at the Garraus household as Heather left for work as scheduled. Higher means more crime, U.S. average is 270.6. [2] In 1994, Jonelle was declared legally dead. On Monday, Weld Judge Vincente Vigil imposed the maximum sentence of 60 years in the . Vallejos retrieved the piece of paper he left at the table earlier, folded it and placed it at the end of the counter. GREELEY, Colo. (KDVR) The family of a 22-year-old woman who was killed Friday night has identified her as Angie Vega. 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. Jaramillo has several active warrants, but has not been taken into custody for the July 24 stabbing. Vega was allegedly sexually assaulted and killed. Jonelle's sister married and moved out of Colorado. It showed the suspect, Marcos Vallejos, enter the store at 5:36 p.m., while customers were inside. [3] Her remains were discovered on July 24, 2019, by construction workers putting in a new pipeline 15mi (24km) from her home. With snow on the ground, Jonelle's father thought it unlikely that she would go far without shoes. However, from the looks of it, the cops seemingly had an immediate breakthrough as there were several eyewitnesses to the murder. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Radin at (970) 350-9671. On Thursday, the coroners office identified them as Richard Kraus, 83, Patricia Karus, 80, and Alan Kraus, 61, all of Greeley. Firearms sales soared, and tens of millions of new guns proliferated across communities nationwide. 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. Police determined Jaramillo was hanging out with others in the garage when an argument broke out and the victim intervened. [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. 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 police department said anyone with more information regarding the case could call 970-350-9671. When the police initially approached Shawna, she insisted on her innocence and denied being involved in Heathers murder. A family friend said Vega had a heart of gold and worked hard to help her mom and siblings in every way she could. [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. 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. GREELEY, Colo. (KDVR) Officers found a body outside a Greeley home shortly after midnight Saturday. On Oct. 29, 2020, Greeley officers responded to a shooting around 3 a.m. in the 1100 block alley between 11th and 12th streets. Ketia Daniel, founder of BHM Cleaning Co., is BestReviews cleaning expert. He then leaves and pulls his car closer to the business. [2], Years after Jonelle's disappearance, her parents moved to the Philippines. Upon arrival, officers found the victim on the floor of the garage while two witnesses were providing help to the severely injured man. 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. He has an advisement hearing scheduled for this charge 9 a.m. Aug. 18. When produced in court, Shawna maintained her innocence but was soon convicted of first-degree murder. [13] She also said that after their return, Pankey forced her to read to him newspaper articles concerning the case. 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. He was wearing a white shirt, dark pants and had a black backpack. According to the witnesses, the assailant who attacked Heather spoke in a womans voice and even blamed the victim for ruining her life. [5] She had a beautiful bright smile that could light up a room! August 30, 2022 / 1:01 PM At 1:51 a.m. July 24, Evans police responded to a stabbing in a garage in the 4000 block of Mariposa Lane. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The staff at CBS News Colorado is Covering Colorado First. Clerical error led to Boulder murder suspect not receiving sanity 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. 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? Vallejos also claimed he had no rights and didnt understand them. [14] She was mentioned in the Congressional Record for the United States House of Representatives on April 2, 1985, page 7224. 2A 23-year-old will spend 60 years behind bars for shooting and killing a Greeley man in October 2020. President Ronald Reagan mentioned Jonelle Matthews in a speech on March 7, 1985, from Room 450 of the Old Executive Office Building. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. 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. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. [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. Weld judge sentences Greeley man to 60 years for October 2020 murder At his son's funeral, Hicks reportedly heard Pankey say, "I hope God didn't allow this to happen because of Jonelle Matthews. 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. [3] Her remains were discovered on July 24, 2019, by construction workers putting in a new pipeline 15 mi (24 km) from her home. By the time first responders arrived at the murder scene, Heather was lying in a pool of blood on the ground. People from the community came by all day Saturday to pay their respects. Seconds later, he was back in the frame without the hatchet. Officers said Vallejos threw a brick through the window of the Greeley Church of Latter Day Saints and went inside. Upon arrival, officers found the victim on the floor of the garage while two witnesses were providing help to the severely injured man. 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. Affidavit: Video footage captures vicious murder of 22-year-old [21], Pankey knew he was a person of interest in September 2019 when he was interviewed by the Idaho Statesman. 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. Content Warning: This article includes topics that may be sensitive for some readers, including sexual assault. Once the mystery attacker reached Heather, they ordered her to go down on her knees and began shooting incessantly at close range. 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. Greeley Police arrested Marcos Vallejos in the death of Angie Vega. 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. A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Vega was allegedly sexually assaulted and killed. Officers found three people dead inside the home. Heather Garraus Murder: How Did She Die? Who Killed Her? - The Cinemaholic The affidavit says that as officers approached, Vallejos said something to the effect of "Yeah, I'm your guy.". When officers arrived, the store was in disarray with large amounts of blood found inside. 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. She was found dead in her car after she went missing from her place of work at NOCO Nutrition. While Vega was motionless on the floor, Vallejos laid the weapon on the counter and walked back toward the restroom and office area. Meet the news team or contact us. Mogensen's father was reportedly "especially excited to see justice". According to the press release . 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. On surveillance, Vallejos was seen moving her body to the backseat of the vehicle. Weld County Courthouse. 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 said theyre pushing for better safety in this area. Police: Andrew Sweatt confessed to shooting, killing mother in Greeley 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. Twenty-four-year-old Marcos Vallejos was arrested shortly after and charged with sexual assault and first-degree murder. [27] He received a sentence of 20 years to life in prison. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. 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. His bond was set to $100,000. 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. [17], A chokecherry tree was planted in front of Franklin Middle School in memory of Jonelle. 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