Adams County Defendant Convicted of First-Degree Murder for Fatally Shooting Victim During Domestic Violence Incident

Brighton, CO – District Attorney Brian Mason announced today that an Adams County jury has convicted Jesse Gladney, 38, of First-Degree Murder for the 2024 fatal shooting of Valarie Garcia during a domestic violence incident. The verdict followed a week-long trial in Adams County District Court. 

On June 8, 2024, officers responded to reports of a disturbance involving a male and female at the Super 8 Motel located at 12055 N. Melody Drive in Westminster. Witnesses reported seeing the male suspect yelling at a female, physically grabbing her, and forcing her toward a Chevrolet Equinox parked in the lot. The vehicle subsequently left the location. 

Shortly afterward, Thornton Police received a report indicating that a female had been shot near 120th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. The victim, later identified as Valarie Garcia, 36, was driven to Platte Valley Hospital in Brighton, where she died from a single gunshot wound to the chest. 

The driver of the vehicle later contacted law enforcement and provided details of the incident. She told investigators that Gladney had contacted her earlier requesting a ride to the area of 120th Avenue and Holly Street. After arriving at the Super 8 Motel, Gladney briefly entered the building and returned with Garcia. The witness reported that Gladney was yelling at Garcia as they walked back to the vehicle and continued to behave aggressively, pushing her against the car and forcing her inside. 

During the drive, Gladney argued with Garcia, threatened to shoot her, and began searching through her purse. The witness reported that Gladney produced a firearm, turned toward Garcia, and fired a single shot. 

On July 24, 2026, after hearing the evidence presented at trial, an Adams County jury unanimously convicted Gladney of First-Degree Murder (F1). On July 31, 2026, Adams County District Court Judge Toni Wehman sentenced Gladney to life in prison without the possibility of parole, as required under Colorado law. 

“This was a brutal and senseless killing,” said District Attorney Brian Mason. “While we cannot bring her back, I am glad we could deliver some amount justice for Valarie Garcia. I’m grateful to the Westminster Police Department and my team at the District Attorney’s Office for their hard work on this case.” 

Senior Deputy District Attorney Brian McGarry and Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Sickler led the prosecution of the case.