Judge sentences Joshua Rocha to death by lethal injection in shooting of NKC officer Daniel Vasquez
By Chloe Godding
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KANSAS CITY (KMBC) — A judge handed down the death penalty on Monday to the man convicted of killing North Kansas City police officer Daniel Vasquez.
Joshua Rocha was found guilty in October of first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of officer Daniel Vasquez. Rocha shot Vasquez during a traffic stop in July 2022.
After Rocha was convicted, the jury heard emotional testimonies from the defense and the prosecution while considering a sentencing recommendation.
Vasquez’s loved ones spoke about his bubbly personality and his dream to be an officer from a young age. Rocha’s loved ones asked for mercy, citing childhood abuse and diagnoses of PTSD and autism spectrum disorder.
The jury recommended the death penalty, and ultimately, the judge agreed with their recommendation.
“We are grateful to the jury for seeing through any attempts to justify the unjustifiable,” said Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson in a news release. “Officer Vasquez’s family, his fellow officers, and our entire community deserve nothing less than complete justice.”
A judge sentenced Rocha to death by lethal injection, court documents show.
After the verdict and jury recommendation, Rocha’s attorneys asked for the chance for a new trial or life in prison instead of the death penalty. That motion was denied Monday.
Thompson shared details from loved ones about Vasquez’s nature, how he shared home-cooked meals with others and impacted many in his community. His loss is particularly felt by his family and fellow officers.
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