Josiah John Naol Salas, a 22-year-old male originally from Ethiopia, was beginning a new chapter in his life. Born in Addis Ababa, he was adopted in 2008 and moved to Colorado, where he adjusted to a new culture and language. He was a father to a young daughter and was known for his love of music and fashion. His life, however, was tragically cut short at a house party in Denver on May 1, 2021.
The gathering took place at a residence in the Green Valley Ranch neighborhood, with about
fifty people in attendance. Among them were Josiah and his friend, 20-year-old Mariceo Negrete. The night took a fatal turn when two brothers, Sergio Rodarte Jr. and Andrew Rodarte, arrived at the party. An argument reportedly broke out between the Rodarte brothers and Mariceo Negrete. The verbal dispute quickly escalated to deadly violence.
Prosecutors allege that both Sergio and Andrew Rodarte brandished semi-automatic weapons, which were equipped with lights or lasers. The brothers then opened fire. Both Josiah Salas and Mariceo Negrete were struck by the gunfire. The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner later confirmed that both men died from their gunshot wounds, and their deaths were officially ruled as homicides.
The investigation into the double homicide led police to the Rodarte brothers. More than a year after the shooting, a Denver grand jury indicted both Sergio and Andrew Rodarte for the murders. They each faced multiple counts of first-degree murder. Additionally, Sergio Rodarte Jr. was charged with possession of a weapon by a previous offender, while Andrew Rodarte faced charges for possession of a weapon as a previous juvenile offender.
