Man Gets 58 Years For Fatal Shooting In Cherry Creek State Park

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) — A man has been sentenced to 58 years in prison for a fatal shooting at Cherry Creek State Park. Joseph Wayne Washington was sentenced Thursday for the August 2017 death of 26-year-old Jackson Lee Chavez at Cherry Creek State Park.

The 31-year-old Washington was convicted of several charges, including second-degree murder and witness tampering.

Prosecutors say he shot Chavez twice following a fight during a cookout, and authorities found thousands of dollars worth of drugs, including LSD, cocaine and methamphetamine, while searching his home and car.

Washington also violated a protection order after his arrest by repeatedly contacting his ex-girlfriend and trying to prevent her from testifying.

District Attorney George Brauchler said Washington has proven he doesn't belong in the community, adding, "This is why we build prisons."

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