Arrest Made in July 2024 Homicide
BOULDER, Colo. – After months of detailed investigation, the Boulder Police Department is proud to announce an arrest in a 2024 homicide.
Just after 5 p.m. on July 14, 2024, officers were called to the 1800 block of Goss Street for an unusual bike trailer that had been there for several days. As officers investigated further, they found a body wrapped in multiple layers on the bike trailer. The female victim, who detectives believe was unhoused, was identified Zaria Hardee, 19. The Boulder County Coroner’s Office later determined that she had been killed by a blow to the head.
Following her identification, detectives worked diligently to retrace her last steps, determine where she died and who she was with.
This week detectives obtained a warrant for the arrest of Jimmy West, date of birth 07-23-1972, on the charge of Murder in the First Degree. Numerous Patrol officers and detectives immediately began searching for West. Members of the Boulder Police Homeless Outreach Team spotted him near Civic Park this morning and safely took him into custody without injury. Detectives believe Hardee and the suspect spent time together within the unhoused community in Boulder.
“I want to thank each member of our team who ensured that Zaria’s murder wasn’t forgotten. From the initial responding patrol officers to our victim advocates and our criminalists, and especially the detectives who have worked doggedly to ensure that a suspect was identified but also that a solid case was developed that ultimately led to these charges,” Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said.
“On a personal note, I want to share just how tragic this case is. Zaria should be here today. She should not have been living on the streets of Boulder and should not have been victimized and ultimately murdered on our streets. This case exposed the tragic reality that we, as a society must do better. It is entirely unacceptable that this young girl lived and ultimately died on our streets. We must do better. We must have better resources, treatment, and intervention options so our most vulnerable are not able to be victimized.
“My hope is that with this arrest and hopefully accountability for the person responsible for Zaria’s death, that it will bring her family and the community some comfort and also motivate us all to do better to find ways to prevent such things from occurring again.”
District Attorney Michael Dougherty concurred.
“Since the day the victim’s body was discovered, the Boulder Police Department has been working incredibly hard to analyze the evidence, interview all the witnesses, and make the arrest. Unlike what is portrayed on television, the investigation and analysis is not wrapped up in one hour and takes a ton of work,” he said.
“I appreciate the relentless efforts of the detectives, as well as the teamwork with our prosecution team. Having spoken with the victim’s family, I will share that the victim was very much loved. She is missed. I hope these charges answer some of the family’s questions. The District Attorney’s Office is fully committed to securing justice in this tragic case.”
This investigation remains ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact the Boulder Police Tipline 303-441-1974 or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 reference case 24-6910. You can remain anonymous and are eligible to earn a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.
As in every criminal case, these charges are an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.
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