On October 10, 2022, just before 2:00AM, El Paso County Sheriff's Deputies, along with the Stratmoor Fire Department and numerous other fire agencies, responded to a large fire in a homeless camp near B Street in unincorporated El Paso County. Several RVs and other motor vehicles were found to be engulfed in flames. Numerous residents of this homeless camp identified to deputies a person they believed was responsible for setting the fire. That person was not located at that time.
Later that morning, just before 6:30AM, the Sheriff's Office Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a man who appeared to have been shot behind a business a short distance away from the fire scene along B Street. Upon arrival, deputies discovered an adult male with at least one stab wound to his chest. Deputies performed life-saving measures but unfortunately he died on scene. This man was described to be the same person witnesses reported for setting the fire.
Detectives with the Sheriff's Office Investigations Division responded to the scene and began to investigate. Multiple witnesses were interviewed and a person of interest was identified. As a result of this investigation, Gregory Paul Lee, DOB: 02/25/1958, was arrested and later booked into the El Paso County Jail on October 12th, 2022, for the charge of First Degree Murder. His booking photo is attached to this media release.
The El Paso County Coroner's Office has identified the victim as 49 year old Jose Delgado-Diaz. The cause and manner of death will be determined by the El Paso County Coroner's Office. We extend our sympathies to the friends and family of Mr. Delgado-Diaz.
The Sheriff's Office would like to thank the Stratmoor Hills Fire Department, as well as the other fire agencies, who quickly responded to suppress this fire that could have escalated and threatened more lives and structures. We also extend our sympathies to those who lost their possessions.
We remain committed to protecting our community and to serving our most vulnerable citizens such as those who are experiencing homelessness.
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