Police are searching for a 33-year-old man suspected of killing James “Jay” Montoya, who was reported missing after leaving a Lakewood bar in April and whose remains were discovered in Saguache County in July.
Jesus Angel Arvizo, 33, is wanted by the Denver Police Department on suspicion of first-degree murder in connection with Montoya’s death on April 2. He is described as 5 feet, 11 inches tall and 175 pounds, according to the department.
CRIME STOPPERS: , can you help investigators locate Jesus Angel Arvizo? Arvizo is wanted for 1st Degree Murder. If you see him or know his whereabouts, please call at 720-913-7867 — you can remain anonymous and earn a cash reward!
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice)
Montoya was last seen leaving the Hangar 101 Bar & Grille on West Jewell Avenue in Lakewood at around 2:30 a.m. April 2, according to Denver police. His family reported him missing later that day.
Investigators believe Montoya left the bar with people he met that night and got into an argument with Arvizo while they were in a vehicle in the area of West 48th Avenue and Bannock Street, Cmdr. Matt Clark said at a news conference Tuesday. Arvizo allegedly shot Montoya after the argument escalated, then drove to Saguache County to dispose of his body.
Montoya’s remains were found in an open area north of the municipal airport in Saguache on July 26, Clark said.
Amber Dominguez, 30, was in the car at the time of the shooting and was arrested in September and charged with being an accessory to the murder.
Montoya’s family appeared at the news conference Tuesday and asked for the community’s help and for Arvizo to turn himself in.
“This is the worst nightmare a family can experience,” said Corinna Montoya, Jay Montoya’s mother. “We are asking for the community’s help with locating Mr. Arvizo. We know he’s hiding and we’re asking for the community’s help. He’s a dangerous person. Our family is in pain and we would like some final resolution to this case.”
Jay Montoya’s father, Eddie Montoya, said he spoke to Arvizo on the phone the day his son died.
“I warned him on the phone, ‘We are going to find my son’s body and you are going to have to deal with it eventually,'” Eddie Montoya said.
Eddie Montoya urged Arvizo to turn himself in.
“It’s not too late. If you’re alive and you can hear this and think you have enough courage to come forward, do what’s right and God will honor that,” he said.
Anyone with information about Arvizo’s whereabouts can contact Metro Denver Crimestoppers at 720-913-7867.
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