June 22nd 2024.
In a tragic event that shook the Denver community, two young men have been convicted and sentenced for the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Khant Naing back in October of 2022. The incident occurred in the University neighborhood and has left Naing's family, who immigrated from Burma for a better life, devastated.
One of the defendants, 19-year-old Josiah Cruz, pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and was sentenced to 18 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections by District Judge Bruce Jones. As part of his plea deal, charges of second-degree murder and being an accessory to the crime were dropped. The other defendant, 22-year-old Emilio Atticus Gomez, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and aggravated robbery six months prior and received a sentence of 58 years in prison.
According to court records, the prosecution decided to dismiss charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, attempted murder, and assault against Gomez in exchange for his guilty plea. During the trial, a video interview was shown where Cruz admitted to bringing Gomez along as the "muscle" for the robbery that ultimately ended in Naing's death.
In a heartbreaking statement read in court, Naing's mother expressed her pain and loss, stating that she no longer sees the point in living without her son. The defense requested a sentence of no more than 14 years for Cruz, while prosecutors and Naing's family pushed for 29 years, arguing that he should receive half of Gomez's sentence for his involvement in the crime.
Speaking through tears, Cruz apologized for his actions and expressed remorse for the life lost and the harm caused to Naing's family. He acknowledged that his decision to participate in the robbery has ruined his life and that no amount of apologies can make up for what he has done.
During the sentencing, Judge Jones struggled to determine the appropriate punishment for Cruz, taking into consideration factors such as rehabilitation, punishment, and the defendant's individual characteristics. He noted that although Cruz played a role in the events that led to Naing's death, he did not believe Gomez would resort to such extreme measures. Ultimately, Jones sentenced Cruz to 18 years in prison, followed by five years of mandatory parole.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the consequences of making poor decisions and the devastating impact it can have on families and communities. It also highlights the importance of rehabilitation and fair and consistent treatment in the criminal justice system. Let us hope that justice is served and that this serves as a lesson for others to think twice before engaging in criminal activities.
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