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Man, 29, arrested in deadly shooting at Cherry Creek State Park

Posted at 1:01 PM, Aug 15, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-15 15:01:21-04

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. – Police arrested a 29-year-old man Monday on first-degree murder charges in the shooting death of Jackson Chavez, 26, who was killed near a boat ramp at Cherry Creek State Park Sunday night.

Joseph Wayne Washington, 29, faces first-degree murder after deliberation charges in Chavez’s death. The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Aurora Police Department and Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force, arrested Washington Monday, according to court records.

Court records also show that Washington faced a judge this morning and is being held without bond in Arapahoe County for the time being.

Friends of Chavez’s told Denver7 Chavez had gotten in a fight with several men at the park. A co-worker of his said then men left, then came back and shot him “specifically.”

An Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said witnesses saw Washington fleeing the scene directly after the shooting.

The sheriff’s office is not releasing further details on the case, or Washington’s mug shot, until the investigation is complete, it said Tuesday.

Two friends of Chavez’s told Denver7 Monday that Chavez was an “amazing soul” who was “brilliant and very humble” and “would give the shirt off his back to anyone.”

Court records show he’s next due in court on Thursday.