Second suspect arrested in Matt Point murder investigation previously reported AWOL from Fort Carson
Colorado Springs Police say they have linked a second suspect to the June 3 killing of a 27-year-old woman.
Joseph Kimsey, 32, faces first degree murder charges in the death of Ashley Melnyczok, 27.
Police say Kimsey had possession of Melnyczok’s pickup truck when he was arrested in Caon City on outstanding warrants on June 30.
Kimsey was still in jail on unrelated warrants on July 15 when investigators say they linked him to Melnyczok’s murder and decided to pursue first degree murder charges.
Kimsey, a Fort Carson soldier, was reported AWOL on May 29.
The first arrest made in the case happened on June 4 after a police pursuit in Colorado Springs.
Police said the chase began about 6 p.m. at the Grand River Canyon Apartments in the 7600 block of Matt Point, the same complex where Melnyczok’s body was found.
The first suspect, Jonathan Nelson, 27, was identified by several residents as being at the complex, police said, and tried to flee in a vehicle. Police said Nelson drove dangerously and they were forced to use their patrol cars to disable his vehicle.
No one was hurt and officers took Nelson into custody. He faces a second degree murder charge.
In June, police said Melnyczok was stabbed to death. Her death was ruled a homicide.
Lindsey Trujillo lives one building over. She said she was shocked when she heard about what happened, and a month later, she still is.
“It is shocking, but it’s also heartbreaking. I just feel awful that there were so many people around and yet we couldn’t do anything to help her,” Trujillo said.
Her neighbor, Sandra Parcher, agreed. Despite the grisly tragedy, both women said they still feel safe at their apartment complex.
“The leasing office does a great job of to make the extra effort for security, they do checks every night, and they’re keeping an eye out for abnormal behavior,” Parcher said.
Both women said they are relieved to know the suspects have been caught.
“I’m glad he’s in a place where he’s able to pay for his actions,” Trujillo said.
“I hope the justice system takes care of him and gets him the help he needs,” Parcher said.
Both suspects are held without bond.
