Saguache County man sentenced on accessory charges in 2023 murder, killer still sought
(SAGUACHE COUNTY, Colo.) — A Saguache County man has been sentenced to six years in prison for his role in a 2023 murder, while law enforcement is still looking for the killer.
According to the Saguache County Sheriff's Office (SCSO), in July of 2023, the remains of 26-year-old James Montoya were discovered by law enforcement near County Road 46 AA, north of the Saguache Airport. At the time of the discovery, Montoya was listed as a missing person out of the Denver area.
Further investigation revealed that Montoya was allegedly murdered in the Denver area in April of 2023. In August 2023, a Denver judge issued a warrant for Jesus Angel Arvizo on first degree murder charges in connection to the case.
According to SCSO, 59-year-old Saguache County resident Jan Franklin Murphy helped Arvizo transport Montoya's body to Saguache County in April of 2023 and 'materially assisted' in concealing and burying Montoya's remains in a remote area of the county.
Murphy was arrested in August of 2024 and charged for his role in helping conceal Montoya's body. SCSO said in April of 2025, Murphy pleaded guilty to accessory to first degree murder, and he was sentenced on May 20 to six years in prison followed by three years of supervised parole.
Arvizo remains a fugitive of justice, and he may have ties to the Alamosa area, SCSO said. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867. If you see Arvizo, do not approach and instead call 911 immediately, as he is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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