Overview
- The Denver District Attorney’s Office said Friday’s sentencing gives Antonio Vasquez 40 years and Jason Trujillo Jr. 20 years in state prison after both pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
- Investigators say Vasquez fired the shots and Trujillo drove the car in the Feb. 14, 2024 drive-by outside the aquarium on Water Street.
- An arrest affidavit states 19-year-old victim Dacien Salazar was visiting from Pueblo and was targeted after receiving threats, including from Trujillo.
- Both men were initially charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder, but prosecutors dropped those counts in the plea agreement.
- DA John Walsh said the sentences ensure the men pay a heavy price, while Salazar’s mother said the family accepted the deal after hoping for life sentences and sought 20 years for Trujillo.