(July 31, 2025) – The Aurora Police Department Major Crime Homicide Unit announced Thursday it has made two arrests in its investigation into a homicide last month in a parking lot in west Aurora.
The suspects are both Aurora boys, aged 14 and 16. The 16-year-old was arrested Wednesday, July 23 on charges of second-degree murder, aggravated robbery, unlawful handgun possession by a juvenile and theft. The 14-year-old was arrested Tuesday on the same charges, plus an additional charge of attempted first-degree murder.
The suspects are not being identified because they are minors. Formal charges will be filed by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
The charges stem from about 9:45 p.m. Monday, July 21, when Aurora police patrol officers responded to a report of a shooting at an apartment complex parking lot in the 100 block of Kenton Street. When officers arrived at the scene, they located a man with an apparent gunshot wound.
The victim sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a local hospital, where he later died. The victim has since been identified by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office as 20-year-old Thornton resident Jaylan Demetrious Moton.
The investigation to date has determined the two juvenile suspects lured Moton and a 21-year-old Aurora man to the parking lot with the intention of robbing them. The suspects also fired at the second victim, who was able to escape without injury.
The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Joe Moylan
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
AP25-140378