Castle Rock Man Sentenced 60 Years for 2022 Deadly Parking Lot Shooting

Miguel Angel Mercado, 23, was sentenced to 60 years in prison for the 2022 shooting death of Daniel Vilchis Mercado, 23, outside the Pines at Castle Rock Apartments in Colorado. The shooting stemmed from a personal dispute where Vilchis Mercado accused Mercado's roommate of involvement with Vilchis' girlfriend, leading to a fistfight that escalated when Mercado pulled a gun and opened fire, killing Vilchis and seriously injuring another man. Mercado was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder, with the jury rejecting his self-defense claim. District Attorney George Brauchler condemned the act as a "gutless act of revenge" for bringing a gun to a fistfight and emphasized the goal of holding murderers accountable at the highest level. Castle Rock Police Chief Jack Cauley highlighted the extensive investigative efforts by law enforcement in securing the conviction. Mercado's sentences include 40 years for murder and consecutive and concurrent terms totaling 60 years, ensuring a lengthy prison term.