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'Jealous' Man Gets Lengthy Prison Sentence For Murder Of Ex-Girlfriend's Acquaintance

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4) - A man who shot and killed an acquaintance of his ex-girlfriend's in Littleton in 2014 was sentenced to 96 years in prison on Monday.

According to the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office, Joshua Robert Hoppe, 33, of Denver was found guilty for the killing of 55-year-old James Barnes on Aug. 13, 2014.

Joshua Hoppe
Joshua Hoppe (credit: Littleton Police)

On that day Hoppe and an acquaintance drove to the home of his ex-girlfriend's parents on West Peakview Avenue in Littleton where his ex-girlfriend and Barnes also lived, according to the district attorney's office.

"The defendant and Mr. Barnes began an argument, where the defendant stated, 'Either he comes out, or I'm going in.' Mr. Barnes armed himself with a machete and a chain in an attempt to defend himself and exited the house to confront the defendant. The defendant then pointed a sawed-off .22 rifle and shot Mr. Barnes in the chest," the district attorney's office said in a statement.

Barnes died later at the hospital.

Police in Littleton learned Hoppe had previously threatened to kill Barnes.

"The defendant sent over 20 threatening messages to the victim 24 hours leading up to the murder. The defendant's issues with Mr. Barnes related to the fact that the ex-girlfriend and Mr. Barnes were friends and they lived in the same house with her parents."

James Barnes
James Barnes (credit: CBS)

Hoppe fled after the shooting and evaded police for approximately a week before being found at an apartment near Quebec Street and Leetsdale Drive.

A jury found Hoppe guilty of second degree murder and possession of a dangerous weapon. The judge ruled he was a habitual offender.

"Three prior felony convictions afforded Hoppe multiple opportunities to conform his behavior to the expectations of our community and the law. Instead, he murdered a member of that community. And then he ran away. Hoppe has earned prison -- lots of it," District Attorney George Brauchler said in a statement.

Hoppe's mother in August of 2014 told CBS4 that her son was jealous and loved his ex-girlfriend and thought he would be with her forever.

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