In a deeply disturbing development that has sent ripples of grief and disbelief through the Aurora community, police announced Friday, August 1, 2025, that two teenage boys have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Jaylan Demetrious Moton. The shooting took place last month in the parking lot of an apartment complex on Aurora’s west side and is now being investigated as a planned robbery that turned deadly.

The suspects, a 14-year-old male and a 16-year-old male, both Aurora residents, have been taken into custody and are facing a slew of serious charges. Because they are juveniles, their names have not been released, in accordance with Colorado state law.

Timeline of the Incident

The tragic event unfolded on the night of Monday, July 21, just before 10 p.m., when officers with the Aurora Police Department were dispatched to the 100 block of Kenton Street following multiple reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers found Jaylan Moton, a resident of Thornton, suffering from a gunshot wound in the apartment complex parking lot.

Emergency medical responders rushed Moton to a nearby hospital, but despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

A second intended victim, 21-year-old Elijah Marcus Thomas of Aurora, was also targeted during the attack but managed to escape unharmed.

Charges Filed Against the Suspects

Following a multi-day investigation, law enforcement officials apprehended the 16-year-old suspect on Wednesday, July 23, and the 14-year-old suspect the day before, on Tuesday, July 22.

The 16-year-old now faces the following charges:

• Second-Degree Murder

• Aggravated Robbery

• Unlawful Possession of a Handgun by a Juvenile

• Theft

The 14-year-old is facing all the same charges, plus an additional count of:

• Attempted First-Degree Murder, for allegedly firing at Elijah Thomas.

Both teens are currently being held in a juvenile detention facility as the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office prepares to file formal charges. Officials have not yet stated whether they will seek to prosecute either teen as an adult.

What Investigators Have Learned

According to Aurora Police detectives, the two juveniles allegedly lured Moton and Thomas to the apartment complex under false pretenses, intending to rob them. During the course of that robbery, one or both suspects reportedly opened fire, killing Moton and narrowly missing Thomas.

Investigators believe the teens fled the scene immediately after the shooting, attempting to destroy or discard evidence to evade identification. However, through a combination of witness interviews, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence, police were able to identify and locate the suspects within days.

“This case represents the devastating reality of youth gun violence,” said an Aurora Police Department spokesperson. “A young life was lost senselessly, and two more are now facing the consequences of their choices in a courtroom instead of a classroom.”

Community Response & Ongoing Investigation

As news of the arrests broke, reactions across Aurora ranged from grief to outrage to calls for change. Jaylan Moton’s death is being mourned not just by his family and friends, but by an entire community left to grapple with the rising tide of violence involving young people.

In response to the incident, community leaders and local advocates are once again emphasizing the need for youth intervention programs, mental health resources, and tighter regulations on firearm access for minors.

The case remains actively under investigation, and detectives are still gathering information to build a complete picture of what happened that night.

Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the shooting, or who may have video footage or relevant information, to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867). All tips can be made anonymously, and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

As Aurora mourns the loss of Jaylan Demetrious Moton, his death becomes yet another reminder of the urgent need for community-driven solutions to prevent youth violence. The search for answers—and accountability—continues, but one truth remains: too many lives have already been lost.

Rest in peace, Jaylan. Your name will not be forgotten.