Josimar Rojas, a 26-year-old Latino, tragically lost his life on October 24, 2012, in Downey, California. Rojas, who worked at United States Fire Protection, was one of three victims in a violent shooting spree that took place in the 8700 block of Cleta Street. The incident is believed to have been linked to a botched car theft. According to reports, the assailant, Jade Douglas Harris, a 30-year-old ex-convict and known gang member, targeted the fire protection business with the intent to rob
its owners of a 2010 Camaro they had listed for sale on Craigslist. Upon arrival, Harris brandished a gun and demanded the keys to the vehicle. When the workers, including Rojas, were unable to provide the keys, Harris allegedly shot and killed Rojas and another worker, Irene Cardenas, while wounding a third employee.
Following the initial shootings, Harris forced Susana Perez-Ruelas, the sister-in-law of the business owner, to drive him to her home to obtain the keys to the Camaro. Once there, Harris allegedly shot and killed Perez-Ruelas and wounded her 13-year-old son. The brutal nature of these crimes shocked the community and led to an intensive investigation by the Downey police.
Harris was arrested shortly after the incident and faced multiple charges, including three counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. The prosecution argued that Harris's actions were premeditated and driven by his intent to steal the vehicle. During the trial, evidence was presented that detailed the sequence of events and the horrific nature of the crimes. Harris was found guilty on all counts, and the jury recommended the death penalty. The special circumstance allegations of multiple murders and murder during the commission of a burglary, carjacking, and kidnapping were also found to be true.
The case of Josimar Rojas and the other victims highlighted the dangers of online transactions and the potential for violence in seemingly routine activities. The community of Downey mourned the loss of Rojas and the other victims, and the case served as a grim reminder of the need for vigilance and safety in such dealings. Harris's conviction and the subsequent legal proceedings brought some measure of justice to the families of the victims, though the pain of their loss remains.
