Oscar Perez Jr. was sentenced today to 40.5 years in the Department of Corrections, after pleading guilty to one count of murder in the second degree, a class two felony, two counts of criminal attempt to commit murder in the second degree, a class three felony, and one count of menacing, a class five felony. 

Mr. Perez was transferred into the adult criminal justice system following a contested hearing in which the prosecution argued for the transfer. After the Court authorized the transfer to the adult system, Mr. Perez pled guilty on October 14th, 2024.

Transferring juveniles into the adult system is extremely rare in the 8th Judicial District and a decision we do not make lightly. However, for crimes this serious, the juvenile justice system is simply nowhere near sufficient to hold defendants appropriately accountable, recognize the value of life, and protect the community.

On January 20th, 2023, Loveland Police responded to the Brookstone Apartments and found Nasier Graham deceased from gunshot wounds. Nasier Graham was a well-respected member of the Loveland community and completely unknown to the defendant. Following the shooting of Graham, the defendant attempted to kill two other teenagers, seriously injuring one. Oscar Perez was 15 years old at the time.

Additionally, today’s sentencing also encompasses a guilty plea for an attempted robbery from January 15th, 2023.

During today’s sentencing, several members of Nasier’s family, friends, and community members spoke about his positive influence during his short life and how much he is missed. As well as the effect the defendant’s actions left on the surviving victims in this case.

Loveland Police Detective Clint Schnorr, the lead detective on this case, explained how he still carries this case with him today. “Nasier was a remarkable man. He was a grandson, boyfriend, friend, brother, and most importantly a son," stated Det. Schnorr. “This case has been the most violent and pointless thing that I’ve witnessed throughout my entire career.”

The prosecution, led by Chief Deputy District Attorney Robert Axmacher, first thanked members of law enforcement, from both Fort Collins Police Services and the Loveland Police Department, for their dedication to this case. “This team was absolutely committed to solving this murder and they worked day and night to ensure the person responsible was found.”

He also reminded the Court of the senseless nature of these crimes and how the defendant’s choices ended the life of Nasier Graham. “This case is proof that evil exists in this world,” stated Axmacher. “But we as a community refuse to let evil win—good will prevail. My hope is that in the coming decades, Mr. Perez will choose good over evil because he has a lot to do to balance the scales. 

In issuing his sentence, Judge Daniel McDonald spoke of the similarity between the defendant and the victim. “I’m struck by the dichotomy of this case and between Nasier Graham and Oscar Perez. It is clear to me that both of them are leaders. Nasier was a leader who made the people around him better. He brought joy and brought hope. Oscar was a leader who made the people around him worse and brought pain and despair.”

“While we see the tragic results of gun violence far too frequently, the random and senseless nature of this murder truly shocks the conscience,” said District Attorney, Gordon McLaughlin.  “Throughout this case, I have heard from Nasier's family and friends about what an amazing young man he was, and today's sentencing, with the many heartful tributes to his life, was a testament to his character. We are heartbroken for Nasier's family and the other victims of this crime, and I am thankful to our prosecution team for helping them move closer to justice today.”

To learn more about Gun Violence Prevention:

The Larimer County Juvenile Gun Safety Coalition

https://www.larimer.gov/cja/juvenile-gun-safety

Safe2Tell Colorado

https://safe2tell.org/

Colorado Ceasefire

https://coloradoceasefire.org/

Moms Demand Action

https://momsdemandaction.org/

Everytown for Gun Safety

https://www.everytown.org/