Rocky Ford police officer accused of murder bonds out of jail
A Rocky Ford police officer accused of murder bonded out of jail Wednesday after a judge lowered his from bond from $1 million to $150,000.
Ashby is accused of fatally shooting Jack Jacquez Jr., 27, at Jacquez’s home the morning of Oct. 12. Jacquez later died at a hospital.
Jacquez’s father, Jack Jacquez Sr., was upset and disappointed after the bond hearing.
“One hundred and fifty thousand dollars — that doesn’t make any sense to anybody. To anybody,” Jacquez Sr. said.
The victim’s sister, Jackie Lindenmuth, told KRDO NewsChannel 13, “[Ashby] is dangerous. And it is very disappointing and sad. It is so disappointing.”
Ashby’s defense attorney, Michael Lowe, asked the judge to set Ashby’s bond no greater than $50,000. Lowe touted Ashby’s years of service in the Navy. He also told Chief Judge Mark A. MacDonnell that Ashby posed no threat to the community, had roots in the area that would prevent him from fleeing and needed to take care of his two children.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation says the circumstances surrounding the shooting are detailed in Ashby’s arrest warrant; however, the document has been sealed by a judge and specifics aren’t being released. Jacquez Sr. said he was told his son had just come home from babysitting before the shooting occurred.
“I do know one thing: he was shot in the back. In his own home. And I don’t believe Ashby had a reason to be there. There was no call for disturbance. There was also no reason to be there for a warrant. He had no warrant to be served,” Jacquez Sr. said.
Ashby cannot have contact with the victim’s family under the conditions of his bond. Additionally, he cannot have weapons in his possession and has to surrender all of his law enforcement credentials.
Jacquez Sr. believes Ashby’s release doesn’t just pose a threat to the public.
“Perhaps [Ashby’s] life could be in danger. I think he’s safer in jail. I don’t want anything to happen to him other than justice. That’s all I want is justice,” Jacquez Sr. said.
Ashby’s next court appearance has been scheduled for Dec. 22 at 8:30 a.m. He faces several charges, including a count of second-degree murder.
An arrest warrant was issued for Ashby at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 14. He was arrested at the La Junta Police Department an hour later.
Ashby began working for the Rocky Ford Police Department in June 2014. Prior to that, he was hired by the Walsenburg Police Department in 2009.
