Adams County Defendant Convicted of Fatally Shooting Victim Who Was Attempting to Break Up a Fight in Commerce City

Brighton, CO — Today, District Attorney Brian Mason is announcing the conviction and sentence for Omar Nieves, 29, following a four-day jury trial in Adams County District Court. An Adams County Jury found Nieves guilty of First-Degree Murder for fatally shooting and killing a victim outside a home in Commerce City on July 14, 2023.  

On July 14, 2023, around 6:00am, at a home along East 118th Avenue in Commerce City, two females were physically fighting over a dispute that occurred earlier that morning. Nieves and the victim, 24-year-old Miguel Antonio Chavez-Eagle, were present at the time. Chavez-Eagle attempted to break up the fight between the two women when Nieves fired a shot that struck the victim in the forehead. Chavez-Eagle died at the scene. Nieves fled the area, but thanks to strong investigative work by the Commerce City Police Department, detectives were able to identify Nieves as the suspect and apprehend the defendant six days later.  

Following four days of trial and a rather short deliberation, an Adams County Jury convicted Nieves of First-Degree Murder and Senior Judge Theresa Cisneros sentenced the defendant to Life in Prison Without the Possibility of Parole, as required by Colorado Law.  

“This was a sad and tragic case where an innocent victim was gunned down for absolutely no reason,” said District Attorney Brian Mason. “It’s heartbreaking to see a young life cut short over nothing. Gun violence – particularly amongst young people – continues to plague this community and now we have another young victim who is dead. I appreciate the hard work of the Commerce City Police Department and my team at the DA’s Office in securing a conviction in this case. My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim.” 

Senior Lead Deputy District Attorney James Houtsma and Deputy District Attorney Hannah Mandel-Senft led the prosecution of this case.  

# # #