Israel Becerril-Rodriguez (DOB: 3-20-94) was sentenced today to life in prison for the murder of 28-year-old Jesus Arambula Terrones at a 7-Eleven store in Lakewood on November 3rd, 2019.
On November 3, 2019 Lakewood Police were called to the 7-Eleven store located at 1107 S. Sheridan Blvd. on a report that a male had been shot. Jesus Arambula Terrones, 28, was pronounced on scene by West Metro paramedics. Becerril-Rodriguez was acquainted with the victim in that they both were involved with Terrones’s ex-wife.
With the help of law enforcement in Las Vegas, Nevada, Becerril-Rodriguez was located and arrested 4 days later. Lakewood police detectives traveled to Nevada and conducted a voluntary interview where Israel admitted being angry at Jesus and shooting him. Becerril-Rodriguez also admitted he was attempting to flee to Mexico when he was apprehended by authorities.
During last week’s trial, jurors watched the surveillance video that depicted Becerril-Rodriguez shooting Jesus Arambula Terrones at close range. Becerril-Rodriguez fired six rounds, hitting the victim 5 times. Jurors heard from Jesus Arambula Terrones’ girlfriend who testified that Jesus and Israel had grown to hate each other.
At trial, defense asked jurors to find Becerril-Rodriguez guilty of a lesser offense of Second Degree Murder or Heat-of-Passion. On May 6, 2021, jurors rejected these arguments and found Becerril-Rodriguez guilty of First Degree Murder – After Deliberation (F1).
Senior Deputy District Attorney Brian Hassing noted that it was the extensive and thorough investigation by the Lakewood Police Department and assistance from the Las Vegas authorities that helped bring justice to the family of Jesus Arambula Terrones.
Becerril-Rodriguez, currently housed at the Jefferson County jail, refused to be present for sentencing today. Sr. DDA Hassing told the court that Becerril-Rodriguez “refuses to show any remorse for taking an innocent man’s life… the only just outcome is that the defendant spends the rest of his life in prison.”
Jefferson County Chief Judge Jeffrey Pilkington sentenced Becerril-Rodriguez to life without the possibility of parole.