DENVER — Police in Denver announced Saturday the arrest of a 17-year-old boy in connection with the brutal murder of 14-year-old Josiaz “JoJo” Aragon in August.
The suspect, whose name has not been released because he is a juvenile, is being held for investigation of first-degree murder, aggravated robbery, tampering with physical evidence in a felony crime, and possession of a handgun by a juvenile, according to Denver police.
JoJo died of a gunshot wound, multiple stab wounds and blunt force injuries, according to the office of the medical examiner.
The teen was found dead near a baseball field at the rec center at 9200 West Saratoga Place, in southwest Denver, around 1:15 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8.
Denver police said they obtained an arrest warrant Friday, and officers located and took the suspect into custody Friday night in southwest Denver.
During a press conference Saturday, Denver Police Department commander Matt Clark, with the Major Crimes Department, said the victim and suspect knew each other and attended the same school the previous year.
Clark said investigators believe the two were conducting a gun transaction at the time of the assault and murder.
Police believe JoJo was selling a gun to the suspect based on digital conversations the two were having prior to the Aug. 8 incident.
In a news release, police thanked the members of the community who shared tips that led investigators to the suspect.
Police said they received over a dozen tips from a Crime Stoppers bulletin that helped them in the investigation and eventually led them to the juvenile suspect.
The affidavit in this case is sealed because the suspect is a juvenile.