Aurora, CO – The Aurora Police Department’s Major Crimes Homicide Unit announced on Friday, August 1, 2025, that two juveniles have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Jaylan Demetrious Moton. The tragic incident took place on July 21, 2025, in the parking lot of an apartment complex on the city’s west side, leaving the community grappling with grief and questions about youth violence.

The suspects, identified as a 14-year-old male and a 16-year-old male, both Aurora residents, face serious charges. In accordance with Colorado law, their identities have not been disclosed due to their status as minors.
**Timeline of the Incident
On Monday, July 21, 2025, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Aurora Police patrol officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire in the 100 block of Kenton Street, located in west Aurora. Upon arrival, officers discovered Jaylan Demetrious Moton, a Thornton resident, suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Moton succumbed to his injuries. A second individual, 21-year-old Elijah Marcus Thomas of Aurora, was also targeted in the shooting but escaped unharmed.

**Charges Filed
The Aurora Police Department arrested the 14-year-old suspect on July 22, 2025, and the 16-year-old suspect on July 23, 2025, following a swift investigation. The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office has filed the following charges:

For the 16-year-old:
– Second-Degree Murder
– Aggravated Robbery
– Unlawful Possession of a Handgun by a Juvenile
– Theft

For the 14-year-old:
– Second-Degree Murder
– Aggravated Robbery
– Unlawful Possession of a Handgun by a Juvenile
– Theft
– Attempted First-Degree Murder (for allegedly firing at Elijah Thomas)

Both juveniles are currently detained in a juvenile facility, pending further legal proceedings. The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office has not yet indicated whether it will pursue adult charges against either suspect.

**Investigation Findings
According to investigators, the shooting stemmed from a planned robbery. The two juveniles allegedly lured Moton and Thomas to the apartment complex under false pretenses, intending to rob them. During the encounter, the suspects opened fire, fatally wounding Moton. Thomas managed to flee the scene and alert authorities. Following the shooting, the suspects reportedly attempted to dispose of evidence and evade capture. Through a combination of witness interviews, surveillance footage analysis, and forensic evidence, Aurora Police were able to identify and apprehend the teens within days of the incident.

“This case is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of youth gun violence,” said an Aurora Police Department spokesperson. “A young man’s life was tragically cut short, and two other young individuals now face significant consequences for their actions.”

**Call for Information
The investigation remains active, and authorities are seeking additional information from the public. Detectives are particularly interested in witness accounts, cellphone videos, or surveillance footage from the area near Kenton Street at the time of the shooting.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867). Tips can be submitted anonymously, and a reward of up to $2,000 may be available for information leading to further breakthroughs in the case.

**Community Impact
As Aurora mourns the loss of Jaylan Demetrious Moton, this incident has sparked renewed discussions about gun safety, youth intervention programs, and strategies to prevent violence among teens. The Aurora Police Department remains committed to pursuing justice and fostering community partnerships to address the root causes of such tragedies.

The community is urged to come together in support of Moton’s family and to advocate for solutions that promote safety and opportunity for Aurora’s youth.