ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. — The man who was accused of the June 2022 shooting death of an assistant chief of a Colorado volunteer fire department was convicted Friday by an Adams County jury.
Jeremy Rocha, 22, was accused of shooting and killing Glen Haven Area Volunteer Fire Department assistant chief John Jaros, 37, who was driving with his wife and three young kids on I-70 west of Colfax the day before Father’s Day in 2022.
In court Friday, Rocha was found guilty of one count of first-degree murder after deliberation; one count of first-degree murder, extreme indifference; and four counts of attempted first-degree murder, extreme indifference.
Aurora police said a handful of cars were stopped on eastbound traffic on I-70 between Tower and 470 when Jaros attempted to drive around traffic.
Rocha then shot multiple rounds at the vehicle Jaros was driving, killing him at the scene. Jaros’ wife and children were not physically hurt in the shooting.
Aurora police said street racing might have been a factor in the shooting.
"This was such a senseless, unnecessary act," said 17th Judicial District Attorney Brian Mason. "Jeremy Rocha and his buddies were speed racing and then they decided to shoot rounds."
Officials said the other drivers who were stopped on eastbound traffic on I-70 that day cooperated with police in their investigation.
Rocha was arrested later that month at his family’s home in Commerce City.
"This was an unspeakable crime. I’m grateful for the jury’s verdict. I’m grateful that they heard the evidence in this case, understood the truth of what happened that day, and rejected the defendant’s ridiculous claim of self-defense," Mason said.
Rocha’s sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, May 23, at 10:30 a.m in Adams County District Court.
