Family of Jesse Garcia speak out after sons death and suspects arrest

The vigil for 22-year old Jesse Garcia stands strong in front of the very spot where the father of two lost his life.

Last Monday, Garcia spotted a man in a construction uniform attempting to steal his vehicle on Pueblo’s East side. The victim was dragged by the vehicle for two blocks until he was thrown off near the intersection of Joplin Avenue and East 6th Street.

Saturday, the family embraced each other at his vigil, overjoyed after Garica’s suspected killer was arrested by Pueblo police.

Friday night, Pueblo investigators arrested 20-year old Anthony Finley on a warrant for 1st degree murder in connection to the homicide. He is currently in the Pueblo County Jail being held without bond.

Garcia’s family says the arrest was thanks in part to Eric Maes , Garcia’s uncle.

Maes was in a gas station on Troy Ave and 4th Street when he saw a familiar face.

“He said what’s up my names Finn, and I think well I’ve heard that name before,” recalls Maes .

That’s when it clicked for Maes , realizing the man was Anthony Finely. Garcia’s family believed Finley was responsible for the carjacking and murder due to an anonymous tip before the arrest was made by police.

“So, I turned around and got back into my truck, ” said Maes . ” As I’m getting into my truck he tried to take off on me.” Maes followed Finley to the Pueblo Walmart on the North side. The suspected car jacker ran into the store. Soon after, Police arrived to the scene and arrested the 20-year-old. “What I did was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, ” said Maes . ” The only reason I did it that way is cause I went for a ride with (Garcia’s mother), and she told me the only thing she wanted was justice so she could grieve.”

“Yes! He can, ” said Jessica Carrillo, when asked if Jesse can rest easy now. ” He’s going to live on forever now.”

Carrillo says her son was a loving, respectful and took responsibility for caring for the well-being of their entire family.

“He’s not here with us with his body, but he’s around us forever, ” said Carrillo. ” In our hearts, our minds, our words, he is around us every single day.”

Finley is behind bars but the family say they can use help. Garcia’s fiancee and mother of two no longer has a vehicle to get around since his death. There is a GoFundMe set up to help the family during these difficult times. You can find that here.

Finley has a long criminal record, and is believed to be connected a number of other stolen motor vehicle cases.