On January 16, 2025, patrol deputies with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting at a residence in the 7000 block of Dove Creek Circle, located in the Widefield neighborhood of unincorporated El Paso County.
When deputies arrived on the scene, they discovered three individuals who appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds. They immediately began rendering medical aid until additional medical personnel with the Security Fire Department arrived.
The Security Fire Department transported two individuals to local hospitals, where they received medical care and were subsequently discharged.
Unfortunately, the third individual died at the scene.
Around the same time, a fourth individual who had been at the Dove Creek Circle residence arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound. The individual received medical care and was later discharged.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division began an investigation into the homicide.
The El Paso County Coroner’s Officer later identified the victim as 19-year-old Jonah Thirkill of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Recently, the Investigations Division received information which led to the development and issuance of arrest warrants for five individuals.
On Friday, April 4, 2025, 18-year-old Ami Gallegos and 20-year-old Noah Watkins, along with two other individuals (minors), were arrested by members of the Violent Offender Fugitive Task Force and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team during a multi-sweep operation.
Gallegos, Watkins, and the two minors have each been charged with:
-Murder in the Second Degree, Felony 2
-Aggravated Robbery, Felony 3 (5 Counts)
-Criminal Attempt, Murder in the Second Degree (2 Counts)
-Assault in the First Degree (2 Counts)
-Menacing (5 Counts)
-Prohibited Use of Weapons
-Theft
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office continues to search for a fifth suspect, 20-year-old Zion Alexander Tilmon. Tilmon is approximately 5’06”, 190 lbs., and can be described as a black male with black hair and black eyes. He is wanted on several charges, including Murder in the second degree, and should be considered armed and dangerous. Tilmon is likely in the Colorado Springs or Denver area. Members of the public should not approach Tilmon if they see him or have information regarding his whereabouts. Instead, they should contact local law enforcement or call the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office non-emergent line at 719-390-5555.
“I am extremely proud of the dedication my Investigations Division has demonstrated,” said El Paso County Sheriff Roybal, “providing justice for Mr. Thirkill and the other victims. My Office will continue our efforts to find Zion Tilmon, ensuring all five of these dangerous criminals are held accountable for their actions.
“Thank you to my deputies for their work on this case and thank you to the members of our community who provide tips and information in cases like this one, helping us solve crimes and keep violent offenders off our streets.”
Zion Tilmon's photo is featured below.
