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Arrest warrant issued in 2007 double-homicide cold case in Aurora

This week, an arrest warrant was issued for Alejandro Garcia-Loya, DOB 9-9-87, for a double-homicide case that occurred more than a decade ago in Aurora.

Garcia-Loya is charged with the following offenses:

First-Degree Murder After Deliberation (2 Counts)

On July 16, 2007, officers with the Aurora Police Department were dispatched to a welfare check call at an apartment in the 200 block of S. Jasper Circle. Family of Ignacio Zamudio-Estrada called police to share concerns that they had not heard from Ignacio in several days and that multiple phone calls went unanswered.

A responding officer arrived at the complex and opened an unlocked sliding back door. The officer immediately smelled an odor consistent with a decomposing body. Upon entry, officers found two deceased victims with severe trauma to their heads. Both were pronounced dead on-scene.

The victims were identified as:

Juan Ayala-Medina

Ignacio Zamudio-Estrada

Detectives with the Aurora Police Department searched the apartment and found a utility bill in the name of Alejandro Garcia-Loya, who was not related to either of the victims but resided in the apartment. Detectives also found a social security card with the name “Alejandro Garcia,” but discovered that social security card was fraudulent because the social security number on the card did not match the physical name.

Shortly after the murders, detectives sent several pieces of evidence from the apartment to CBI for examination. A spoon and a Mountain Dew can were collected from Alejandro’s room and later DNA tested. The results show the DNA collected from the items were from a single contributor. Fingerprints were also collected from Alejandro’s bedroom without any successful matches. In that same bedroom, a Walmart receipt was found showing a purchase of the Mountain Dew bottle and a youth baseball bat shortly before the crime took place. The youth baseball bat was not recovered.

Several years later, the Department of Homeland Security Latent Print Unit got a “hit” on the latent prints submitted in 2007. The fingerprints in the DHS system for Alejandro Garcia-Loya matched the five latent prints collected from the homicide scene.

On April 11, 2023, Aurora Police Detective Jason McDonald completed a review of this case and concluded the third roommate who fled to Mexico after killing Ignacio Zamudio-Estrada and Juan Ayala-Medina is Alejandro Garcia-Loya.

“The Aurora Police Department, along with the Major Crime Homicide Unit, is committed to finding justice for our victims and their families. Just because a case goes cold, does not mean it is forgotten,” said Major Crime Homicide Unit Sgt. Chris Cruser. “Our detectives are always looking for new leads, evidence and information to solve cases. This is just one example of their efforts and dedication.”

At this point in time, the defendant has not yet been apprehended. Anyone with information about his whereabouts can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.

“As time passes, cases can become tougher to solve,” Deputy District Attorney Grant Grosgebauer said. “No matter how much time passes, our Cold Case Unit is solely focused on holding offenders accountable and ensuring victims get justice.”

Colorado Springs woman sentenced to two decades in prison for fatal DUI crash in Parker

Douglas County Judge Patricia Herron sentenced Jessica Stahl, 46, to 22 years in the Department of Corrections for a deadly crash that occurred last year in Parker.

Just after 2 a.m. on June 16, 2022, officers with the Parker Police Department responded to the intersection of Parker Road and Cottonwood Drive for a car crash. Upon arrival, officers found a pedestrian, later identified as Lacey Lewis, 25, from Steamboat Springs in the middle of the road. After fighting for her life for several hours, she was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Lacey Lewis

The investigation revealed Lewis and her boyfriend were walking home and were in the crosswalk when Stahl plowed into the victim. Lewis’ boyfriend was not injured.

Stahl initially stopped at the scene and asked Lewis’ boyfriend, “Did I hit her?” Stahl, who never called 9-1-1 or offered any assistance, then went back to her car and stayed there for almost six minutes. When police started approaching her vehicle, Stahl sped away. Officers chased her for about a mile at high speed before she pulled over. The defendant was arrested and taken to a nearby hospital for a blood draw after clear indications of being under the influence of drugs.

“Two nurses with more than 40 years of combined experience couldn’t draw blood,” Deputy District Attorney Sherri Giger said. “Medical staff and officers had never witnessed such extensive track marks and destroyed veins from heroin use.”

In lieu of a blood sample, medical staff was able to collect a urine sample which showed illicit drug use including Heroin, Methamphetamine, Vicodin, Fentanyl, Suboxone, and Diphenhydramine.

Jessica Stahl

Following a four-day trial, a jury convicted Stahl of the following offenses:

-Vehicular Homicide/DUI

-Vehicular Assault/DUI

-Child Abuse

-Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Serious Bodily Injury

-Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Death

“At the time Stahl crashed into Lacey and took police on a chase, she had her young child in the car,” Deputy District Attorney Corrie Caler said. “This mother had no business being on the road that night and she put countless lives in danger.”

During the crash investigation, officers noted that Stahl was traveling through an overnight construction zone, where one witness and 9-1-1 caller observed Stahl weaving and driving erratically prior to the crash.

“This is the second fatal DUI-related case my Office successfully prosecuted in Douglas County during the month of May,” District Attorney John Kellner said. “These preventable tragedies are inexcusable and my prosecutors will continue holding offenders accountable who endanger innocent people on our roads.”

Earlier this month, Ricky Avalos-Trujillo, 25, was sentenced to 31 years in prison for killing two high school students in a DUI-related crash back in August of 2022. Details on this case can be viewed in the “News Releases” section of our DA18 web site.

Jury returns guilty verdict for Littleton man who shot and injured police officer

Rigoberto Valles-Dominguez, 35, was found guilty this month for shooting a Littleton police officer.

Around 11:30 p.m. on September 20, 2021, officers responded to reports of shots being fired from a car window near West Powers Avenue and South Bannock Street. Upon arrival, officers located one of the suspects, later identified as Valles-Dominguez, walking away from the scene.

Before police could place Valles-Dominguez in custody, he took off running toward an apartment building. During the foot chase, the defendant pulled out a handgun and fired multiple rounds, striking Officer David Snook in the torso, arm and leg. Snook and Corporal Jeff Farmer both returned fire, Valles-Dominguez escaped.

The investigation revealed Valles-Dominguez hid for several hours in the complex before carjacking a motorist and leaving the scene. He was captured a few days later at an RV home in Brighton.

Earlier this year, Littleton Police Corporal Jeff Farmer was presented the Medal of Valor by President Joe Biden for helping save Snook during the shootout.

“Most people run away when shots are fired. These officers ran towards the sound of danger at great personal risk, to protect each other and our community. I’m grateful for their service and heroism,” District Attorney John Kellner said. “A lengthy prison sentence is appropriate and necessary to ensure the safety of our community.”

“The defendant’s actions showed no regard for human life,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Jason Siers said. “While Officer Snook suffered serious injuries, it’s a miracle no one was killed.”

A jury found Valles-Dominguez guilty of the following offenses:

-Attempted First-Degree Murder after Deliberation (2 counts)

-Attempted First-Degree Murder/Extreme Indifference (2 counts)

-Aggravated Robbery (2 counts)

-Prohibited Use of a Weapon

-Assault with a Deadly Weapon causing Serious Bodily Injury

-First-Degree Assault/Extreme Indifference

-First-Degree Assault on a Peace Officer (2 Counts)

-Violent Crime Sentence Enhancer (2 counts)

“This defendant did not care who he injured that night,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Colleen Greer said. “Despite being shot seven times, we’re grateful he was able to recover, testify, and witness this guilty verdict.”

On September 25, 2023, the defendant was sentenced to 128 years in prison.

More than 100 warrants cancelled during ‘Second Chances’ event in Arapahoe County

On July 15, the 18^th Judicial District Attorney’s Office proudly sponsored a ‘Second Chances’ warrant clearance event in Aurora at CentrePoint Plaza.

The program allowed anyone with certain types of warrants in Arapahoe County the opportunity to speak with a defense attorney and judge to resolve their case, pay a fine or restitution, or obtain a new court date.

The following types of warrants were eligible for cancellation (excluding domestic violence, assaults, sex offenses and cases falling under the Victims’ Rights Act):

-Probation violations

-Class 5 or 6 felonies

-Class 4 drug felony cases

-Misdemeanor cases

-Traffic offenses

During the 5-hour event, 100 people showed up and a total of 109 warrants were cancelled.

“The general public may not realize that missing one court date or failing to pay a fine can lead to a warrant for your arrest,” Senior Chief Deputy District Attorney Victoria Klingensmith said. “By allowing defendants with warrants for lower-level offenses to get a second chance to take care of their case, we can better focus our time and resources on prosecuting violent offenders who put the community’s safety at risk.”

Statistics from the event:

-49 people, some with multiple warrants, had their cases heard and resolved by 18^th Judicial District Chief Judge Michelle Amico.

-36 people, some with multiple cases, were issued a new court date and had their warrant(s) cancelled.

-Collections had 5 cases paid in-full.

-The oldest warrant cleared was issued 18 years ago.

“I support events like this to help defendants with certain offenses get back on track,” District Attorney John Kellner said. “Our Second Chances events allow us to focus limited court and law enforcement resources on the most serious offenses, while saving taxpayers money and ensuring accountability for offenders.”

The event was made possible through various community partnerships including Aurora Public Schools, Arapahoe County Public Health, Arapahoe County Community Resources, Arapahoe County Human Services, AllHealth Network and Aurora Mental Health.

Drunk driver who killed two Castle View HS students sentenced to 31 years in prison

On August 5, 2022, a truck with four Castle View High School students, all 17 years old, was struck head-on by Ricky Avalos-Trujillo. Two of the students were killed, and the surviving two students were both injured in the collision.

On July 14, 2023, Judge Theresa Slade imposed a 31-year sentence for the defendant after his conviction on multiple counts including Vehicular Homicide – DUI, Vehicular Assault – DUI, and Careless Driving.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Meghan Gallo and Deputy District Attorney Sherri Giger prosecuted the case on behalf of the 18^th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. The defendant was found guilty following a jury trial in May 2023.

At the July 14, 2023 Sentencing Hearing, prosecutors requested the maximum possible sentence, which included consecutive prison sentences for two counts of Vehicular Homicide, one count of Vehicular Assault, and a consecutive jail sentence for the charge of Careless Driving.

The Judge ultimately imposed that maximum sentence for a total of 31 years.

“Every death is tragic, but to see two young lives lost and another gravely injured is heartbreaking,” said Gallo. “All of the devastation caused by this defendant’s choices was preventable if only the defendant, who knew first-hand the dangers of drunk driving, had not chosen to get behind the wheel.”

The investigation revealed that the defendant was speeding and driving in the wrong lane into oncoming traffic and was under the influence of both alcohol and marijuana at the time he was driving. The defendant was also serving a probation sentence for a DUI injury crash out of California at the time of this tragedy.

“He should have never been behind the wheel, and unfortunately, his victims and their families will have to live with the impacts of that decision for the rest of their lives,” said Deputy District Attorney Sherri Giger. “This is an individual who has proven he cannot safely be in our community, and we appreciate that the Judge’s sentence ensures that he won’t threaten the safety of other innocent drivers for years to come.

“Every death as a result of drunk driving is 100% preventable,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “We can never replace those loved ones that are lost, but my office is committed to holding dangerous drunk drivers accountable to the full extent of the law.”

Media Contact for this press release: Aurora Ogg, Director of Community Engagement ([email protected])

Aurora woman sentenced to 42 years in prison for starting deadly apartment complex fire

On June 16, 2023, Alondra Michel, 39, was sentenced to 42 years in the Department of Corrections for starting a deadly fire in January of last year.

Around 1:30 a.m. on January 24, 2022, Aurora Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire at an apartment complex on E. Evans Avenue. Firefighters quickly determined the blaze was intentionally set. The investigation revealed Michel lit a blanket on fire inside a ground-level apartment following a disagreement with her boyfriend over text messages with other women on his phone.

During the evacuation of tenants, firefighters found Abner Salmeron-Bautista, 5, on a bed in a second-floor apartment. He was rushed to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Alondra pleaded guilty to 2^nd Degree Murder and three counts of 1^st Degree Arson.

“This defendant’s actions showed a complete disregard for the safety of all tenants living in that complex,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Ann Tomsic said. “We hope this lengthy prison sentence can bring some closure to Abner’s family and the other tenants who were temporarily displaced at no fault of their own.”

After her prison sentence, Michel will be placed on parole for 5 years.

“This defendant made a terrible and reckless decision to start a fire in a complex in the middle of the night when most tenants were likely asleep,” District Attorney John Kellner said. “I praise the firefighters who arrived on-scene and immediately worked to evacuate three floors in the complex. While it’s a miracle more people weren’t seriously injured or killed, my heart goes out to Abner’s family.”

Jury finds plastic surgeon guilty of Attempted Reckless Manslaughter following patient’s death

On June 14, 2023, a jury found Dr. Geoffrey Kim, a plastic surgeon guilty of Attempted Reckless Manslaughter and Obstruction of Telephone Service following the death of a patient who came to his clinic for a breast augmentation procedure.

On August 1, 2019, Emmalyn Nguyen, 18, slipped into a coma and went into cardiac arrest after receiving anesthesia.

A nurse anesthetist testified on the witness stand that he advised Kim that the patient needed immediate medical attention in a hospital setting and that 9-1-1 should be called. Ultimately, the investigation revealed Kim failed to call for help for five hours after the patient went into cardiac arrest. The obstruction charge addressed testimony that several medical professionals, including two nurses had requested permission to call 911 to transfer care—requests that Kim, the owner of the surgery center, denied.

Nguyen ultimately passed away in a nursing home a year later in October 2020.

The defense claimed all of the blame lay at the hands of the nurse anesthetist. The People’s experts addressed care that might have made a difference after the arrest. The defense put on one expert, who testified that transferring care would not have made a difference. That same defense expert, however, also conceded that Kim did not act with the urgency required in the aftermath of Nguyen’s cardiac arrest, and that there was no reason not to have transferred care.

“We understand medical procedures don’t always go as planned, but this defendant showed a shocking and extreme lack of judgment and humanity by failing to call for an ambulance and denying his patient appropriate treatment in a hospital setting,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Gary Dawson said. “Patients put their trust in doctors and the outcome might have been different had the defendant sought appropriate medical care. This defendant made decisions based on what was best for his business and not for his patient.”

Kim faces up to 3 years in the Department of Corrections.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 8.

Criminal charges filed against ex-Aurora officer in relation to a shooting on New Year’s Eve

The Office of the 18^th Judicial District Attorney has filed formal charges against Douglas Harroun in an officer-involved shooting on December 31, 2022.

The shooting was investigated by the 18^th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team and presented to the 18^th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for a charging decision. Based on our review of the evidence, Harroun was charged with the following offenses:

Assault 1-Serious Bodily Injury with a Deadly Weapon (Class 3 Felony)

Assault 2- Reckless Serious Bodily Injury with a Deadly Weapon (Class 4 Felony)

The 18^th Judicial District Attorney’s Office will not be commenting further on an ongoing criminal case except to provide future court dates and bond information.

The arrest affidavit can be requested via the Court Executive for the 18^th Judicial District.

Charges filed against ex-Aurora police officer involved in on-duty fatal crash

Today, the 18^th Judicial District Attorney’s Office filed formal charges against Eduardo Landeros, 26, in relation to a deadly crash that occurred on the evening of March 4, 2023, on S. Chambers Road.

Colorado State Patrol conducted the crash investigation and turned over its findings to the 18^th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for a charging decision.

Landeros is charged with the following offenses:

Vehicular Homicide-Reckless Driving (Class 4 felony)

Criminally Negligent Homicide (Class 5 felony)

Questions regarding Landeros’ employment as an officer should be addressed with the Aurora Police Department Public Information Office.

Publicly available court documents can be requested via the 18^th Judicial Courts.

As a reminder, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Future court dates and bond information will be posted accordingly on our DA18 Twitter page.

Jury convicts Colorado Springs man in deadly DUI crash on I-25 frontage road

A Douglas County jury has found Ricky Avalos-Trujillo, 25, guilty in a crash that killed two high school students back in August 2022.

The investigation revealed Avalos-Trujillo was driving southbound in the northbound lanes on the I-25 frontage road at mile post 179 near Castle Rock when he crashed into a truck carrying four teenagers. The collision killed two of the teens and critically injured a third.

The Coroner’s Office identified the deceased victims as Audrey Todd and Colton Bellamy. Both were 17-years-old.

Avalos-Trujillo was charged and convicted of the following offenses:

Vehicular Homicide-DUI (Class 3 Felony) (2 counts)

Vehicular Assault-DUI (Class 4 Felony)

Careless Driving Resulting in Injury (Class 1 Traffic Offense) (2 counts)

Careless Driving Resulting in Death (Class 1 Traffic Offense) (2 counts)

When questioned by Colorado State Patrol, Avalos-Trujillo said he had fallen asleep behind the wheel. A trooper noted Avalos-Trujillo had bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech and the odor of alcohol coming from his mouth. Blood test results showed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .091 and marijuana (THC) level of 7.7ng (nanograms) in his system.

“While the defendant admitted to consuming alcohol prior to this crash, he failed to take responsibility for his actions that night,” Deputy District Attorney Sherri Giger said. “Parents should never have to bury their children and this defendant robbed two families of getting to see their child graduate high school and start their career.”

Avalos-Trujillo faces a maximum of 30 years in prison.

“Audrey and Colton were about to begin their senior year of High School when this preventable tragedy occurred,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Meghan Gallo said. “While no sentence will bring these children back to their parents, I hope this conviction brings some closure to Audrey and Colton’s friends and family.”

Sentencing is set for July 14, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.

“Every death caused by a drunk or drugged driver is 100% preventable,” District Attorney John Kellner said. “This defendant made the decision to drink, smoke and get behind the wheel. With that selfish decision, he stole the lives of two kids.”

Other case information:

Arrest date: August 6, 2022

Conviction date: May 5, 2023

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