On a summer evening in Colorado Springs, a simple stop for snacks turned into a tragedy that ended the life of 36-year-old Jeremy Diaz. On August 19, 2022, Jeremy, a father of eight who had recently moved to Ohio and was back in town for a wedding, decided against going to a Taco Bell and instead went into a Kum & Go gas station on Hancock Expressway with his 12-year-old son, while his wife filled their car with gas.
Inside the convenience store, an argument broke out between Jeremy and
another man, 25-year-old Brian Alford, as they stood in the cashier's line. A store employee’s attempt to de-escalate the situation was unsuccessful. The confrontation quickly became physical when Alford pushed Jeremy. As Jeremy moved toward him, Alford drew a handgun. During the ensuing struggle, Alford fired multiple shots, striking and killing Jeremy. Alford then walked past Jeremy's young son, got into his vehicle, and drove away from the scene.
The Colorado Springs Police Department launched a homicide investigation. Utilizing surveillance footage from the store, detectives were able to identify Alford's vehicle. Days later, they located the car and placed a tracking device on it, which eventually led them to determine that Alford was living out of the vehicle. Information from a woman who had a prior relationship with Alford confirmed he owned handguns. Based on the evidence gathered, authorities arrested Brian Alford.
In October 2023, a jury found Brian Alford guilty of second-degree murder for the death of Jeremy Diaz. He was subsequently sentenced to 38 years in prison. Jeremy Diaz, known as 'JJ,' was remembered as a beloved family man with a big heart who had a positive impact on many lives through his work in juvenile justice and as a real estate agent.
