Murder of Jesse Valencia

The murder of Jesse Valencia occurred on June 5, 2004, in Columbia, Missouri.

For the American musician, author, and actor, see Jesse Valencia.
Murder of Jesse Valencia
LocationColumbia, Missouri
DateJune 5, 2004 (2004-06-05)
WeaponsKnife
Deaths1
VictimJesse Valencia
PerpetratorSteven Arthur Rios

The murder was featured on the April 24, 2020, episode of Dateline NBC.[1]

Victim
Jesse James Wade Valencia
Born(1981-02-22)February 22, 1981
Boyle County, Kentucky
DiedJune 5, 2004(2004-06-05) (aged 23)
Columbia, Boone County, Missouri
OccupationCollege student

Jesse James Wade Valencia (February 22, 1981 – June 5, 2004) was born in Boyle County, Kentucky. He was one of three children, having two sisters. After high school, Valencia worked as a model.

At the time of his death, Valencia was a 23-year-old junior at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Boone County, Missouri. While at the university, Valencia studied pre-law and journalism; he also worked at the Campus Inn Motel.

Valencia is buried on the family farm in Perryville, Kentucky.[2]

Perpetrator
Steven Arthur Rios
Born1977 (age 44–45)
Criminal chargeFirst-degree murder

Steven Arthur Rios (born 1977), a Columbia police officer, was convicted of Valencia's murder in September 2004.[3] Rios was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole for the murder and to a consecutive ten-year sentence for a related charge (for use of a weapon during commission of the crime). His conviction was later overturned after a judge ruled hearsay was admitted into evidence during his first trial.

Background


Media

The murder was featured on the April 24, 2020, episode of Dateline NBC.[1]

The case was also featured on the December 14, 2005, episode of Forensic Files.

See also

References
  1. DuClos, Danielle. "NBC's 'Dateline' to air episode Friday on 2004 Valencia murder". Columbia Missourian. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  2. "Maneater | Rios sentenced to life for 2004 slaying". www.themaneater.com. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  3. "CNN.com - Police officer convicted of killing gay lover - May 23, 2005". www.cnn.com. Retrieved 22 June 2021.


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