A man admitted to one count of attempted first-degree murder in a plea deal Friday for shooting into a crowd of revelers celebrating the Denver Nuggets’ first-ever NBA championship victory in 2023.
Prosecutors are recommending a 35-year prison sentence and five years of parole for Ricardo Vazquez, 24, as part of the deal, which also includes a crime-of-violence sentence enhancer and a charge of possession with the intent to sell or distribute cocaine. Four more counts of attempted murder and charges of gun and drug possession, as well as criminal possession of financial devices, were dismissed. Vazquez’s sentencing is scheduled for March 21.
Gunfire erupted near the intersection of Market and 20th streets shortly after the Nuggets clinched their game against the Miami Heat on June 13, 2023. A crowd that had gathered to celebrate the victory scattered as dozens of Denver police officers moved in and apprehended Vazquez along with a second man, Raoul Jones.
At least 10 people were wounded in the shooting. Police also recovered fentanyl pills from the scene and said the shooting may have been connected to a drug deal. A third suspect, Kenneth Blakely, was arrested the following week.
Jones pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon by a previous offender Nov. 22 and is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 6, according to court records. Blakely has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted first-degree murder and attempted first-degree assault. His trial is set to begin on April 14.
