On February 2, 2023, an Auto Theft Task Force working with the Fountain Police Department located a stolen Hyundai Tucson near the southern end of El Paso County. The vehicle had been linked to a felony carjacking involving the threatened use of a handgun, and the driver had been identified as Devon Bobian, a wanted felon and active parolee with a long and violent criminal history.
When Fountain Police Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, Bobian fled, initiating a high-speed pursuit. The chase ended on South Academy Boulevard after a Tactical Vehicle Intervention brought the suspect vehicle to a stop. Bobian climbed out of the disabled vehicle and aggressively advanced across the rooftops of vehicles toward Officer Julian Becerra. Tragically, Officer Becerra fell over a guardrail and sustained catastrophic injuries. He fought for his life for nine days before passing on February 11, 2023.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division began an investigation into the incident and built a prosecutable case which required exceptional attention to detail and resolve.
A team of six detectives and a sergeant responded and worked through the morning without rest. Over the following days and months, more than 20 detectives and professional staff poured their efforts into uncovering the truth.
Their efforts uncovered critical information necessary to pursue Felony Murder charges, establishing Bobian’s criminal actions during the incident were the proximate cause of Officer Becerra’s death.
The 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office filed charges and prosecuted the case. On May 13, 2024, a jury found Devon Bobian guilty of all charges related to Officer Becerra’s death, including Second-Degree Murder, Aggravated Robbery, Menacing, Vehicular Eluding, and Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft.
Today, Devon Bobian was sentenced to 132 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.
El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal issued the following statement:
“Today’s outcome, ensuring justice for Officer Becerra, his family, and our partners at the Fountain Police Department, is the direct result of the relentless, methodical, and highly skilled work of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division, the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and partnering law enforcement agencies. Their determination to uncover every fact, review every piece of evidence, and ensure accountability, honors Officer Becerra’s legacy and reflects the highest standards of our profession.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to my Investigations Division, District Attorney Michael Allen, and his team at the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Their commitment to justice, their partnership with our investigators, and their outstanding prosecutorial work were instrumental in achieving today’s result.
“Officer Becerra will never be forgotten. His sacrifice is etched in the hearts of the first responders and the law enforcement community.
“This sentencing serves as a solemn reminder of our enduring commitment: in El Paso County, violent offenders will be held accountable, justice will be pursued with every available resource, and we will continue to protect the community we serve with courage and integrity.”
