(Golden, CO – September, 2020) Following six days of trial, a Jefferson County jury found Jesus Osvaldo Bernal, DOB: 8-29-83, guilty of murder in the stabbing death of a 43-year-old man in Lakewood. The jury returned their verdict on August 31, 2020, finding him guilty of Second Degree Murder (F2) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Bernal had met the victim, Brigido Badua, just five days before the stabbing when they were released from the Adams County jail at the same time. Mr. Badua and his wife were staying at the Trails End Motel, at 9025 W. Colfax Avenue, when Mr. Bernal arrived at his room on May 30, 2019. Mr. Bernal testified during the trial. Bernal admitted that following a short conversation, he stabbed Badua in the heart with a large hunting knife. Bernal explained that he’d stolen the knife just a few days prior and carried it with him everywhere he went.
Bernal has six prior felony convictions. Habitual criminal charges have been filed and a habitual criminal proceeding will be held the same day as Bernal’s sentencing, November 3, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. If convicted of the habitual counts he will face up to 96 years in prison.
