Man gets 60 years for shooting, killing man during riot
Published on March 02, 2023
GREELEY, Colo. (Weld County D.A.) – A Greeley man will spend the next 60 years behind bars, after shooting and killing a man during a riot in 2020.
Last week, a Weld County jury convicted Michael Hernandez, 23, of one count of second-degree murder, and one count of engaging in a riot.
On October 29, 2020, Greeley officers were called to a report of a shooting at approximately 3:00 a.m. in the 1100 block alley between 11th and 12th streets.
When officers arrived, they located a male victim on the ground surrounded by a pool of blood.
The male victim, identified as Maurice Maestas, was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
During the time of the shooting, the defendant was on probation for a 2018 burglary case. Hernandez also pled guilty to attempted first-degree murder in 2017.
“It’s clear from his consistent, violent behavior, that this defendant has zero respect for human life or for the law,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Anthony Perea said. “This was completely senseless and has destroyed so many lives. Though nothing will bring back our victim, we hope this lengthy prison sentence will send a clear message to the community that we absolutely will not tolerate this type of senseless behavior.”
Weld District Court Judge Vincente Vigil imposed the maximum sentence Monday of 60 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Anthony Perea and Deputy District Attorney Chandler Croom prosecuted this case.