A 28-year-old man, Jesse Jones, has been sentenced to 77 years in prison for the murder of leasing manager Josiah Goecker and the assault of Rosemarie Ortiz at an apartment complex in Anchorage, Alaska. The crime, which took place in October 2023, has left a lasting impact on the victim’s family and the community.
The Incident
On October 23, 2023, Jesse Jones walked into the leasing office at Alpine Apartments, where Goecker and Ortiz were working. He confronted them about a non-renewal notice that had been placed on his door. Jones, who lived at the complex with his girlfriend, became enraged over the notice.
According to court documents, within seconds of the confrontation, Jones pulled out a handgun. There was a brief struggle between him and Goecker, but Goecker backed off with his hands raised in a peaceful gesture. Despite this, Jones shot Goecker at least seven times in front of Ortiz, who witnessed the entire event.
After the shooting, Jones fled the scene, disposed of the gun, and spent the following days high on methamphetamine. He was apprehended by the police three days later.
Jones later confessed to the murder but claimed it occurred in the “heat of passion,” stating that he shot Goecker in self-defense, although the jury rejected this argument.
The Trial and Sentencing
Jones was convicted in February on charges of murder, assault, and tampering with evidence. During the trial, his lawyers tried to reduce the charge from murder to manslaughter, but the jury did not accept that defense.
On July 11, 2023, Judge Andrew Peterson sentenced Jones to 77 years in prison, a sentence that ensures he will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars.
In a packed courtroom, the judge dismissed the idea that the killing was an accident or a snap decision, emphasizing that Jones had several opportunities to de-escalate the situation.
Judge Peterson pointed out how Goecker showed compassion and attempted to diffuse the situation by retreating with his hands up, giving Jones the chance to walk away. Instead, Jones made repeated choices that ended Goecker’s life.
The Impact on the Family
The murder has deeply affected Goecker’s family, including his pregnant wife, his young daughter, his unborn daughter, his parents, and nine siblings. His brother, Jamin Goecker, described the loss as devastating, noting that Goecker’s youngest daughter would never meet her father.
Goecker is remembered by his loved ones as a hero for his selfless actions before he was killed. His obituary honors his courage, noting that he gave his life to protect a colleague, which was a reflection of his character. “His selfless act of heroism surprised no one who knew him in his 34 years of life,” the obituary states.
Judge’s Remarks and Jones’ Past
Judge Peterson also took into account Jones’ prior criminal history, which revealed a pattern of violent responses to perceived slights. The judge stated that Jones’ violent tendencies made it necessary to imprison him for the public’s safety, ensuring that he would not harm anyone else in the future.
Jones was convicted for the cold-blooded murder of a man who had tried to protect others. His actions on the day of the shooting were described as disproportionate and violent, and the court made it clear that his behavior warranted a lengthy prison sentence.
Jesse Jones’ sentence of 77 years reflects the severity of his crime and the lasting consequences for Goecker’s family and the community. The murder of Josiah Goecker, who acted heroically in the face of danger, has left a hole in the lives of his loved ones, who will never forget his bravery and sacrifice.
