Share this @internewscast.com

FREDERICK, Colo. — After years with “many twists and turns,” a 72-year-old man in Nebraska has been arrested in connection with a 2007 homicide of a young mother in Colorado.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon that it had arrested Darrell Burklund, a former maintenance worker, in York, Nebraska on Friday.

He is accused of killing 25-year-old Jessica Bejarano, and has been booked in jail on a charge of second-degree murder, CBI said.

jessica bejarano_cold case

Colorado Bureau of Investigation

CBI Director Chris Schaefer, who was one of the original agents assigned to the case, said the arrest is “the culmination of years of tireless work by our investigators.”

“No matter how old or complicated these cases are, our cold case team is dedicated to resolving the most difficult cases no matter how long it takes,” he said.

This case started on April 6, 2007. That day, officers with the Frederick Police Department responded to a call along the 7900 block of Larkspur Circle. When they arrived at the home, they found Bejarano’s body in the bathroom. She had one stab wound to her chest, CBI said.

Her 4-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son were also in the home.

During the investigation, detectives looked at several suspects, which included Bejarano’s husband. He was later cleared because he was at work at the time of the crime, CBI said.

Detectives “ultimately” obtained DNA evidence that appeared to be a match to Burklund, CBI said.

Denver 7+ Colorado News Latest Headlines | March 18, 11am

While no other details are available about what happened between the initial investigation and this month, investigators on Friday conducted a follow-up interview with Burklund in Nebraska, which led to his arrest that same day. CBI is working to extradite him to Colorado.

Burklund, who is now 72, was 54 at the time of Bejarano’s death.

Cece Merrow, Bejarano’s mother, said she is grateful for the work that led to this arrest, saying the family never gave up hope.

“There were so many twists and turns in her case, but we always had faith in the CBI,” she said.

The 19th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol and the York County Sheriff’s Office in Nebraska all assisted in this investigation.

No other details were available as of publishing time.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Justice Served: Mother Sentenced for Tragic Neglect Leading to Son’s Starvation

Sherrilynn Hawkins appearing in court in October 2025 (WPVI). Inset: Tylim Hatchett…

North Carolina Justice Department Penalized by Judge for ‘Widespread Issues

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson speaks at a press conference (NCDOJ).…

Tragic Turn: Husband Allegedly Shoots Wife and Disposes Body Miles from Home

Share A man from New York has been apprehended and faces murder…

Justice Delivered: Sentencing of Farm Murderer in Teen Girl’s Tragic Case

Inset: Jade Colvin (Iowa Department of Public Safety). Background: James Bachmurski at…

Shocking Night Attack: Man Arrested for Stabbing Ex’s Stepfather in Sleep with Kitchen Knife

Inset left: Tomas Aguilar (Webb County Sheriff”s Office). Inset right: Oscar Bedarte…

Texas Duo Stirs Controversy by Emptying Apartment While Child Attends School

A 12-year-old boy from Texas returned home from school last Friday only…

Suspected Wife Killer’s Escape Attempt Ends in Frustration

Inset left: Brandon Ashley (Grimes County Sheriff”s Office). Inset right: Chelsea Spillers…

Teen Expresses Remorse to Family After Tragic Incident Involving Friend

Background: News footage of Rolan Delacruz during his sentencing on Oct. 20…

Shocking Abandonment: Parents Leave Three Toddlers Alone at Campsite—An Urgent Call for Awareness

Share In a troubling case emerging from Georgia, authorities have charged a…

Shocking Pre-Trial Drama: Woman Faces Arrest for Car Collision and Identity Deception

Written by Staff GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have arrested 31-year-old Alicia Nicole…

Police Report: Mother Accused of Strangling Her 6-Year-Old Child in Sudden Outburst

Inset: Justine Mroz (Pasco County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The house where Mroz…

Tragic Pool Accident: Two Young Brothers Drown, Urgent Safety Measures Highlighted

Share A Mississippi mother is under scrutiny following the tragic deaths of…