Lawrence Arellano, DOB: 3-21-68, appeared today in Jefferson County District Court where he was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of James Miller in January, 2017.
Following four days of trial, a Jefferson County returned their guilty verdict on June 7th. They found him guilty of First Degree Murder after Deliberation(F1) and Conspiracy to Commit Murder(F2). He was sentenced to life in prison, for the murder count, and 48 years in prison, for the conspiracy count, to be served concurrently.
On January 4, 2017 codefendant Charles Joseph Martinez, DOB/01-19-84, had agreed to meet Miller at a convenience store in the 1100 block of S. Sheridan, in Lakewood. Unbeknownst to Miller, Martinez brought Arellano with him. Martinez was aware that Miller owed a drug debt to Arellano. In the parking lot of the convenience store, Arellano hid in the darkness until Miller came out to meet Martinez and then he stabbed him in the chest. Miller died from his injuries.
Martinez pled guilty to Second Degree Murder (F2) and Conspiracy to Commit Murder(F2) and on February 21, 2018 he was sentenced to 28 years in prison.
Arellano has seven prior felony convictions. 
