Rally held for man killed by Rocky Ford policeman

A crowd of about 200 people attended a rally Saturday in Rocky Ford for a man shot to death a week ago by a police officer.

The event remembered Jack Jacquez, 27, who was shot in his home by Officer James Ashby. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear and the case is being investigated by the district attorney’s office and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

The crowd gathered on Main Street at 4 p.m. They signed a poster titled “Justice for Jack,” then marched along the street carrying signs of support for Jacquez and shouting words of criticism for police.

“No justice, no peace” and “Hands up, don’t shoot” were among comments expressed during the march.

Lisa Jurado, who organized the event, said she and Jacquez were friends since childhood.

“(The rally) was really because of Ferguson, Missouri, and all the other shootings that have taken place,” she said. “This is a little town but we need to be heard, too. Anyone else without a badge who had shot someone, would be sitting in (jail).”

Jurado said Jacquez’ immediate family did not attend the event.

The hour-long demonstration ended with a candlelight vigil and a makeshift memorial established in Barnes Park, next to the police station.

Police were not present at the event, but one marcher said they likely didn’t want to further inflame tensions brought by the shooting.

Ashby remains on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.