Jorge Arreola Sentenced to 32 Years
Jorge Arreola was sentenced today to 32 years in the Department of Corrections, after being found guilty by a jury on one count of attempted murder, a class 3 felony, and a sentence enhancer of a violent crime using a weapon on March 27th, 2024.
On February 21st, 2023, a man had been shot while driving on East Mulberry St. in Fort Collins. The bullet had entered and exited through his neck, shattering his window in the process. An investigation began to locate the driver of the vehicle that had fired the shot. Following a review of surveillance and traffic cameras, Arreola was arrested after his vehicle was identified matching the description provided by the victim. During a search of the vehicle, shell casings were found that matched the gun used in the shooting.
This case went to trial on March 19th, 2024, and lasted for 8 days, with the jury finding the defendant guilty. The 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office prosecution team was led by Deputy District Attorney, Erin Butler, and Assistant District Attorney, Matt Maillaro.
During today’s sentencing argument, Deputy District Attorney Butler argued that the jury verdict proved Mr. Arreola was aware of his actions. “This may have been a different situation if this was Mr. Arreola’s first violent offense, but this is not a case of a young naive boy. This isn’t even a case of someone who was not given resources for rehabilitation,” stated Butler.
“This was plain and simple a random and unprovoked act of violence that has no place in our community.”
This case garnered public attention given the violent and seemingly random act, committed with no connection to the victim. The victim was able to make a full recovery and testified at trial.
Judge Daniel McDonald made the following statement prior to issuing his sentence, “The evidence in this case is overwhelming, it is really one of the most brazen acts I’ve seen,” stated McDonald.
“I have to agree with the prosecution and say that there is no evidence that has been presented that warrants reducing this sentence by even a single hour.”
“This case was an incredibly dangerous and shocking crime,” said District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin. “I am extremely proud of our team for not only obtaining a guilty verdict at trial but for securing the maximum sentence and ensuring that Mr. Arreola cannot hurt members of our community any further.”
