A Missouri courthouse was packed Thursday when Joshua Rocha faced a judge for his arraignment. Family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Daniel Vasquez were there to support the fallen officer’s family.
Vasquez was shot and killed during a traffic stop. Rocha was charged with his murder.
The 32-year-old officer initiated a traffic stop near 21st and Clay streets in North Kansas City after spotting a car with expired temporary tags.
When Vasquez pulled the vehicle over, the driver pulled out a weapon and fired. He was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries.
Vasquez became the first officer to die in the line of duty within the North Kansas City Police Department.
“[He was] a shining star for our department,” Police Chief Kevin Freeman said. “All these are tragedies. But to see such a young person so early on his career lose his life to such senseless violence, it’s just unfathomable.”
Senseless
Following the shooting, a suspect surrendered and was taken into custody without incident. According to court documents he explained to police why he shot Vasquez.
Rocha, 24, was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action.
On Thursday, when the 24-year-old appeared in court officers used Vasquez’s handcuffs to transport his suspected killer.
It was a simple gesture, but it had a huge impact on all those who knew the officer.
“Justice will be served. I feel confident in that,” Deputy Chief Wood said. “He’s where he needs to be, in my opinion, and the system will work.”
If convicted, Rocha could face the death penalty or life in prison.
This never should have happened. Justice needs to be served.
