Guilty verdict delivered in Quintanilla-Ramos case - sentencing in May

PRESS RELEASE: Fort Morgan Police Department - At approximately 2:00 a.m. on July 28, 2024, officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Main Street in Fort Morgan on a report of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers determined that a male had been shot after leaving a nearby nightclub numerous times in the back and head by an unknown individual.  The suspect had previously been denied entry to the club earlier in the evening due to problems in the past. After the victim exited the nightclub, the suspect fired multiple rounds from a handgun, striking him, and then fled south from the scene.

Fort Morgan Police officers and Morgan County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived within minutes of the first 911 calls but were unable to immediately locate the suspect. The victim was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital and later transferred to St. Anthony Hospital due to the severity of his injuries.

In the days that followed, officers and detectives worked diligently to identify the suspect and secure an arrest warrant for 27-year-old Jose Quintanilla-Ramos. Investigative leads directed detectives to several possible locations. Through coordinated efforts between patrol officers and detectives—conducting surveillance and interviewing numerous individuals—Quintanilla-Ramos was ultimately located. He was taken into custody without incident on a warrant for Attempted 1st Degree Murder and 1st Degree Assault.

Last week, a trial began in Morgan District Court. After several days of testimony, the case was handed over to the jury late Tuesday afternoon. A verdict was returned in the early evening, indicating Quintanilla-Ramos was guilty on all counts. Following the verdict, a sentencing hearing was scheduled for May 8, 2026.

The dedication and professionalism demonstrated by our officers and detectives, often working long hours under challenging circumstances, were instrumental in this outcome. While some individuals were reluctant to cooperate, our personnel remained focused and persistent. We also appreciate the members of our community who provided critical information that ultimately led to the suspect’s apprehension. Their assistance underscores the importance of strong community partnerships in keeping Fort Morgan safe.

We would also like to recognize our local, state, and federal partners who assisted in this investigation, including the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, Brush Police Department, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and our federal law enforcement partners. Their collaboration was vital to the successful apprehension of this suspect. Of course, the District Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case and did an outstanding job representing the State of Colorado.