Brothers Sentenced to 40 Years for Deadly Shooting Outside Denver Aquarium

Antonio Vasquez and Jason Trujillo Jr. plead guilty to second-degree murder in 2024 attack.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two brothers, Antonio Vasquez and Jason Trujillo Jr., have been sentenced to 40 and 20 years in prison, respectively, for their roles in the 2024 drive-by shooting death of 19-year-old Dacien Salazar outside the Downtown Aquarium in Denver. Vasquez, who was 19 at the time, fired the weapon that killed Salazar, while Trujillo, who was 17, was the driver of the getaway car.

Why it matters

The shooting outside the popular Denver aquarium was a shocking crime that rattled the community. The lengthy sentences handed down to the brothers aim to hold them accountable for the cold-blooded killing and provide some measure of justice for the victim's family and friends.

The details

Vasquez pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 40 years in prison, while Trujillo pleaded guilty to the same charge and received a 20-year sentence. Investigators say Vasquez was the shooter, while Trujillo drove the getaway car. The shooting occurred on Valentine's Day 2024 as Salazar was leaving the aquarium with two friends. A black Chevrolet sedan pulled up and Vasquez, wearing a ski mask, opened fire from the backseat, striking and killing Salazar.

  • The shooting occurred on February 14, 2024 outside the Downtown Aquarium in Denver.
  • Vasquez and Trujillo were arrested in early May 2024 and formally charged on May 8, 2024.

The players

Antonio Vasquez

A 21-year-old who was 19 at the time of the 2024 shooting and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, receiving a 40-year prison sentence.

Jason Trujillo Jr.

A 19-year-old who was 17 at the time of the 2024 shooting and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, receiving a 20-year prison sentence.

Dacien Salazar

A 19-year-old who was killed in the 2024 drive-by shooting outside the Denver Aquarium.

John Walsh

The Denver District Attorney who said the brothers' "cold-blooded actions" shocked the community.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Dacien Salazar's murder was not just a tragedy for his friends and family, it was a crime that shocked countless Denver residents — a shooting in broad daylight in a busy public place.”

— John Walsh, Denver District Attorney (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on Denver streets, and if any special laws are needed to govern gun violence near popular public attractions.