Randy Jiron, a Colorado resident, was sentenced to life in prison for fatally shooting a roadside panhandler in Lakewood.
This senseless act of violence occurred at a busy intersection and has left the community in shock.
Crime Details and Conviction
Randy Jiron’s crime involved firing several shots from his car window, striking Craig Bruce, a transient who was asking for help at an intersection.
Bruce was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to severe injuries to both kidneys shortly after undergoing surgery.
Witnesses at the scene reported hearing multiple gunshots and saw Bruce stagger before collapsing.
Traffic camera footage was crucial in linking Jiron’s red Jeep Cherokee to the crime scene.
The Jeep, which had a black roof and mud splashes on the fenders, matched descriptions provided by witnesses.
A Jefferson County jury found Jiron guilty last month, and he was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole on October 18.
Investigation and Capture
The investigation quickly focused on Jiron’s red Jeep Cherokee after police matched witness descriptions with traffic camera images.
An officer from Lone Tree snapped a picture of the Jeep with its temporary license plate the day after the shooting, which led them to Jiron’s home in Strasburg.
Officers and an Adams County SWAT team surrounded the house, and Jiron eventually surrendered.
Records showed Jiron was in the area at the time of the shooting.
The Lakewood Police Department had also had prior encounters with Jiron due to his erratic behavior and mental health issues, including threats involving mass shootings.
Jiron’s Background and Legal Outcome
Jiron had a history of volatile behavior and had previously made alarming calls to the FBI, including threats involving sex slaves and mass shootings.
Aurora Police had visited his residence several times before the shooting, but Jiron was not detained.
In court, the judge denied him any chance at parole, citing his dangerous history and the severity of the crime. Jiron is now housed at Crowley County Correctional Facility near Rocky Ford.
His life sentence means he will spend the rest of his life behind bars with no possibility of release.
