In the early hours of February 7, 2017, a fatal encounter unfolded near the RTD Light Rail station at 12th and Sheridan in Denver, Colorado, ending the life of 32-year-old Timothy 'Tim' Cruz. At approximately 1:00 a.m., two individuals approached Cruz and robbed him at gunpoint. During the robbery, Cruz was shot and killed.
The investigation into the shooting led police to two suspects, Nathan Valdez and Ever Valles.
Both men were subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the robbery and murder of Cruz. The case drew additional attention due to the revelation that Valles was an immigration enforcement priority who had been released from Denver's jail shortly before the murder, despite a request from ICE to hold him.
In the ensuing legal proceedings, both Valdez and Valles entered guilty pleas. In November 2017, Ever Valles pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and accessory to murder. Nathan Valdez pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, and aggravated robbery in February 2018. On March 9, 2018, the two men were sentenced for their roles in the death of Timothy Cruz. Valles received a 29-year prison sentence, while Valdez was sentenced to 58 years in prison.
