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Jeremy Rocha is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Glen Haven firefighter John Jaros in June 2022.
ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. — An Adams County jury has reached a verdict for Jeremy Rocha, who is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of volunteer firefighter John Jaros during a street racing incident in June 2022.
Jeremy Rocha, now 22, was arrested and charged in Jaros’ killing five days after the shooting. Closing arguments in his trial in Adams County District Court were Friday morning, and the jury began deliberations about 11 a.m.
Rocha took the stand at the end of the trial and claimed the shooting was in self-defense.
Jaros, a Glen Haven volunteer firefighter, was shot and killed while driving with his wife and children on Interstate 70 near Tower Road. They had planned to go camping for Father’s Day weekend.
Rocha, now 22, had purchased the white Mustang he was driving that day. He met up with friends at a Maverik gas station, a known spot for car enthusiasts. Rocha then drove on I-70 with three other drivers. Two cars were taking up two lanes to slow down traffic and create enough space on the interstate to race.
Rocha said he was racing against a driver in a black Chevrolet Camaro and, shortly after they had started, a white truck — driven by Jaros — went around the cars that were slowing down traffic.
Jaros’ wife said she heard at least four gunshots and saw her husband slump over. John Jaros had been hit in the head, according to the arrest affidavit in the case.
- 2 counts of first-degree murder
- 4 counts of criminal attempted first-degree murder
- Sentence enhancer: crime of violence
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