Nebraska Man Arrested for 2007 Colorado Murder of Mother

Darrell Burklund, a 72-year-old former maintenance worker, was arrested in York, Nebraska, in connection with the 2007 murder of 25-year-old Jessica Bejarano in Frederick, Colorado. Bejarano was found stabbed to death in her home, with her two young children present, in what became an 18-year-old cold case. The arrest follows new DNA evidence linking Burklund to the crime, leading to his charge of second-degree murder. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) played a pivotal role, with Director Chris Schaefer highlighting their relentless pursuit of justice in cold cases. Bejarano's family expressed gratitude for the dedication shown by investigators, maintaining hope over the years despite various twists in the investigation. Burklund is currently held at the York County Jail pending extradition to Colorado for further legal proceedings.