‘Continuing to fight,’ two years after the murder of Ft. Carson solider, reward increases to $10,000
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The family of Sergeant First Class John Jean is still pushing for answers over two years after he was killed in a Colorado Springs shooting. Crime Stoppers has now increased the reward for information surrounding his death to $10,000.
On April 3, 2021, Colorado Springs Police (CSPD) responded to a shooting at the Epic Hookah Lounge. When they arrived, they found the 34-year-old Fort Carson soldier dead. His death was officially ruled a homicide.
Two years later, CSPD classifies Jean's homicide investigation as an "active cold case." Police explained to KRDO that any case that goes unsolved after a year is considered "cold," but they are still actively investigating. However, no arrests have been made in connection to his death.
"Our soldiers deserve better," said Jean's sister Vanessa Servius. "John went to war three different times and came back in one piece, and this shouldn't happen to him right here on American soil."
Servius said she looked up to her brother for advice in her military career and advice in her life. Close in age and close in spirit, she said the loss is like nothing her family has ever felt.
Jean left behind a wife and a son who now lives with Servius.
"We are a grieving family," said Servius. "John was an only son, you know, he had one son himself that's now growing up without a father. My mother now doesn't have the only son that she had, and I don't have my life partner anymore. We are grieving, but we will continue to fight through grieving."
Fort Carson shared with KRDO a written statement on Jean's death:
“SFC John Jean dedicated himself to the U.S. Army for 14 years and deployed multiple times in the defense of our nation. Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Lt. Col. Michael Lueckeman, commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Infantry Division
According to Fort Carson, Jean entered the Army in June 2006 and arrived at Fort Carson in September 2020.
During his years of service, Jean served in Iraq and Afghanistan and received numerous awards including a National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and NATO Medal.
If you have any information in this case, you are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 719-634-STOP (7867).
There is currently a $10,000 reward for information in this case that leads to an arrest.
