Joe Sanchez Sentenced to 26 Years

Yesterday, Joe Sanchez was sentenced to 26 years in the Department of Corrections after he pled guilty to Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree- After Deliberation, a class two felony, and Attempted Assault in the 1st Degree, Serious Bodily Injury with a Deadly Weapon, a class four felony. We secured Mr. Sanchez’s guilty plea on February 9th of this year. 

On October 19th 2024, Fort Collins Police Services were called to Butch Cassidy Drive with reports of shots fired. Upon arriving, officers found a male with a gunshot wound to the chest and another victim with additional gunshot wounds. 

Prior to the shooting, an argument had broken out between the victim and Mr. Sanchez and their respective acquaintances. The victim in this case was punched and kicked before attempting to flee to a vehicle. A shot was fired at the vehicle before Mr. Sanchez turned, pointed a gun at the victim, and shot in his direction four times. He was struck once in the chest. 

The victim was transported to the hospital and, despite serious injuries, survived. Detectives began to interview witnesses, review video footage, and other evidence to determine what had led up to the shooting. Following an investigation, Joe Sanchez was arrested for the shooting of the two victims. 

As a part of his sentence, Mr. Sanchez is also required to pay restitution for the cost of future treatment for his victims and any losses stemming from his actions. 

“Gun violence has no place in our community,” said District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin. “These acts strike immense fear and impact not only the victim, but those around them. I am incredibly grateful that the victims in this case are still here and that our team was able to secure a resolution that will keep our community safe.”