A man convicted of killing a leasing manager in Anchorage, Alaska, will spend much of his life behind bars after a judge sentenced him to 77 years in prison for murder and assault.
Jesse Jones, 28, was found guilty of killing 34-year-old Josiah Goecker and assaulting Rosemarie Ortiz, 33, during an attack at an apartment complex in October 2023.
The Fatal Confrontation
On October 23, 2023, Jones entered the leasing office at Alpine Apartments in Anchorage to confront Goecker and Ortiz about a non-renewal notice on his apartment, which had been issued due to his behavior. Jones, who lived at the complex with his girlfriend, was reportedly upset about being forced to move.
The situation escalated quickly when Jones produced a handgun and shot Goecker multiple times after a brief struggle. Goecker, who had raised his hands in an attempt to defuse the situation, was shot at least seven times in front of Ortiz.
Jones fled the scene after the shooting, disposed of the gun, and spent the next few days using methamphetamine. He was apprehended three days later.
At trial, Jones admitted to the murder but claimed he acted in the “heat of passion,” arguing that he shot Goecker in self-defense. His defense team asked for the murder charge to be reduced to manslaughter, but the jury rejected that argument.
Family Impact and Judge’s Ruling
Before sentencing, Jones heard emotional statements from nine members of Goecker’s family, who spoke about the profound loss they experienced. Goecker’s wife, pregnant with their second child, was devastated by the loss of her husband, and his young daughter will never meet her father.
His brother, Jamin Goecker, said the murder deprived his family of a loving father and husband, calling the loss “deeply felt by all of us.”
Despite Jones’ defense, Judge Andrew Peterson rejected any suggestion that the killing was an “honest mistake” or a snap decision. The judge emphasized that Jones had multiple opportunities to de-escalate the situation but chose repeatedly to escalate it. In contrast, Goecker had shown compassion and tried to diffuse the confrontation, offering Jones a chance to walk away.
Sentencing and Future Consequences
Jones was sentenced to 77 years in prison, a sentence that ensures he will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars. The judge noted Jones’ prior criminal history, highlighting his violent reactions to perceived slights, and emphasized the need to protect the public from future harm.
In a heartbreaking tribute, Goecker was remembered as a hero. His obituary stated that he “gave his life to protect a colleague,” a selfless act that “surprised no one who knew him in his 34 years of life.”
Jones’ sentence reflects the severity of his actions, and he will now face the consequences of the choices he made that led to a tragic loss of life.
