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'Hole Ripped In Our Heart': Family Wants Justice For Murder Victim Found In Burning Car

PARKER, Colo. (CBS4)- The family of a murder victim says they want justice for Jason Dosa who was killed in what they call a senseless crime.

"He had a strong relationship with the Lord and demonstrated this daily through his actions and his ability to give. There has been a hole ripped in our hearts that will never be filled," said Dosa's brother Justin Baker.

Dosa's body was found inside a burned car in a Deer Creek neighborhood on Sunday. The discovery was made by emergency crews some time after the car fire broke out. The fire, which spread to the grasses around the vehicle, prompted neighbors to rush to the scene to help put out the flames.

Jason Dosa
Jason Dosa (credit: Dosa Family)

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office used dental records to identify the 44-year-old's body.

Deputies arrested Shawn Geerdes, 46, on Wednesday. They claim he shot Dosa multiple times and then lit the car he was in on fire. Geerdes made his first appearance in Jefferson County Court Thursday morning.

Baker told CBS4 that the family doesn't know the Geerdes.

"Our hearts go out to his children as they too have been robbed of their father at no fault of their own. At this time we would like to thank the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and all the deputies involved who assisted with the swift actions leading to an arrest while dealing with a difficult crime scene. We know everyone is searching for answers in a situation that makes no sense to us," said Baker.

Shawn Geerdes
Shawn Geerdes (credit: Jefferson County Sheriff)

Geerdes has a long criminal history that began in 1987 for theft in Jefferson County, burglary in 1992 and 1997, drug possession in 1997 and domestic violence in 2015.

Dosa also has a criminal history, one which includes domestic violence, assault and burglary charges.

Authorities so far haven't said what type of relationship the suspect and the victim might have had. Court documents in the case are sealed.

The judge decided Thursday morning that Geerdes will remain in jail without bond. He is due back in court next week.

Dosa lived in Parker with his wife and two small children, a boy and a girl.

This is the entire statement from the Dosa family:

We have gathered the press here today to honor the legacy of a wonderful man. Jason was a loving father who took no greater joy than spending time with his family and providing for others. My brother was a person who was always bigger than this world. He had a strong relationship with the Lord and demonstrated this daily through his actions and ability to give. There has been a hole ripped in our hearts that will never be filled. We have started a go fund me account under the name - one word - dosafamilyfund, to help support the wife and two beautiful children he has left behind. More than anything, we would like to stress how the selfish acts of one can influence the lives of so many. Our hearts go out to the children of Mr. Geerdes, as they too have been robbed of their father at no fault of their own. At this time, we would like to thank the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department and all the deputies who assisted in the swift actions leading to an arrest while dealing with a very difficult crime scene. Unfortunately, we're unable to answer questions at this time. We know everyone is searching for answers in a situation that will never make sense to any of us.

Additional Resources

Dosa's family says he was married with two children. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help them.

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