REPEAT GANG SHOOTER RECEIVES TWELVE-YEAR SENTENCE

Caldwell, Idaho – May 29, 2026 – Lazaro Vela was sentenced today in Canyon County District Court for Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon Enhancement in connection with a gang-related shooting in Nampa. Prosecutors requested a thirty-year concurrent sentence, with twenty of those years fixed.

On September 1, 2022, Vela – a member of the Brown Pride Surenos (BPS) street gang – pulled a handgun and shot a Norteno gang member three times in the parking lot of the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Nampa. Brian Moreno, a Norteno, then shot innocent bystander Joe Flores in an attempt to retaliate. Moreno was previously convicted of first-degree murder in February 2026 for that shooting.

In 2023, a year later, Vela was involved in another gang shooting in Grove Plaza parking lot in Boise. He fired several rounds into a group of rival Norteno gang members during a confrontation in the Grove Plaza parking lot. A 16-year-old female juvenile was struck in the arm, suffering a gunshot wound and non-displaced fracture. Another victim was possibly struck as well. In that case, Vela was convicted at trial by an Ada County jury and sentenced to twenty years in prison with ten years fixed.

This was Vela’s second gang-related public shooting, and prosecutors recommended a minimum of thirty years of prison with at least twenty before becoming parole eligible. Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Boyd stated: “This man has actually shot people in two separate gang shootings in public places in our community. He presents an unacceptable risk to take with our citizens’ lives, and incarceration is the only way to protect them.”

Although the prosecutor requested a thirty-year concurrent sentence, Judge Gabriel McCarthy sentenced Vela to seven years fixed followed by five years indeterminate, to be served consecutive to the Ada County sentence.

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CANYON COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY’S OFFICE TO PURSUE PROPORTIONATE COST SHARING IN MISDEMEANOR PROSECUTION CONTRACT WITH CITY OF CALDWELL

CALDWELL, ID – The Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced today its intention to pursue
proportionate cost sharing in its misdemeanor prosecution contract with the City of Caldwell.
Cities are required by Idaho code to fund their own misdemeanor prosecutions.
Currently, Canyon County taxpayers pay about 2.4 million dollars to service all misdemeanors
county-wide. Last year, the City of Caldwell accounted for 22.9% of that workload, but under
the previous contract reimbursed only 7% back to county taxpayers.

Chris Boyd, the Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney, requested a proportionate cost share this
year. “We worked with Nampa last year and they now do pretty reasonable cost-sharing with us.
I appreciate Caldwell’s understanding that costs need to be fairly reimbursed,” Boyd said.
Caldwell’s full reimbursement cost last year would have been $569,114, but Caldwell paid just
$350,425. Other Canyon County taxpayers paid for the remainder.

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For more information, please contact the Director of Constituent Services,
Steve Cushman at (208) 614-5011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 20, 2026

BUFFALO WILD WINGS SHOOTER FOUND GUILTY AT JURY TRIAL OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER IN CASE TRIED BY ELECTED CANYON COUNTY PROSECUTOR CHRISTOPHER BOYD

Canyon County, ID — On Thursday, February 19, 2026, a Canyon County jury unanimously found 25-year-old Brian Moreno guilty of the first-degree murder of Joe Flores after a week and half long trial. The jury also found Moreno guilty of a gang sentencing enhancement.

The victim, Joe Flores, had no affiliation with any criminal gang. This case was investigated by the Nampa Police Department. Sentencing is set before Judge Gabriel McCarthy on May 8, 2026, at 9 am.

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For more information, please contact Aaron Williams by email at Aaron.williams@canyoncounty.id.gov or by phone at (208)-614-5011.

]]> https://www.canyoncounty.id.gov/delbert-cornish-sentenced-to-life-without-parole-for-murder-of-18-year-old-onyx-cornish-and-attempted-murder-of-15-year-old-lucien-cornish/ Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:58:54 +0000 https://www.canyoncounty.id.gov/?p=60948 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 28, 2026

Delbert Cornish Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Murder of 18-Year-Old Onyx Cornish and Attempted Murder of 15-Year-Old Lucien Cornish

Caldwell, Idaho — Delbert Cornish was sentenced today by Third District Judge Gabriel McCarthy to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the August 18, 2025 murder of 18-year-old Onyx Cornish and the attempted murder of her 15-year-old brother, Lucien Cornish. Cornish was charged with first degree murder, attempted murder, and animal cruelty stemming from a violent rampage that also included the shooting of Onyx’s pet cat.

The Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office was represented by Chief Deputy Ingrid Batey and Deputy Prosecutor Stephanie Morse. Cornish was represented by defense attorney Erik Ellis.

In addressing the Court, Batey described the defendant’s actions as “senseless, cruel, cowardly, and callous,” and asked the Court to impose a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. “Delbert Cornish should wake up behind bars every day for the rest of his life,” Batey said. “That still isn’t enough, but it’s the closest this Court can get to true justice.”

Ellis asked the Court to impose a 25-year fixed sentence, citing Cornish’s struggles with depression and suicidal ideation. Judge McCarthy ultimately agreed with the State and sentenced Cornish to life without the possibility of parole, describing the crime as “an act of pure evil.” In his final remarks to a packed courtroom, Judge McCarthy stated, “If there’s a God, perhaps God will have mercy on his soul. But the State of Idaho does not.”

“I want to thank the Caldwell Police Department for their diligent work on this case, as well as the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office and Canyon County Coroner’s Office,” Canyon County Prosecutor Chris Boyd said. “The Defendant’s actions were unthinkable and horrific, and he deserves to die in prison. I appreciate Judge McCarthy’s wise and thoughtful sentence, as well as his compassion for the victims in Court.”

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For more information, please contact our Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at (208)-754-7391

Former Wilder Teacher Sentenced to Prison for

Sexual Battery of a Minor Student

Caldwell, Idaho – Third Judicial District Judge Thomas W. Whitney sentenced Juvent Josue Ramirez (35) to 14 years in prison, with 3 years fixed before he is eligible for parole, following his conviction for sexually abusing a minor student.

Ramirez, a former business teacher at the Canyon-Owyhee School Service Agency (COSSA) in Wilder, was convicted of felony sexual battery of a minor. The case stemmed from incidents in which Ramirez groomed and manipulated a female student, made inappropriate sexual comments, and inappropriately touched her private area over her clothing. Surveillance footage corroborated the victim’s account.

During today’s sentencing hearing, Deputy Prosecutor Stephanie Morse argued for a unified sentence of 25 years, with 7 years fixed before parole eligibility. Morse described the case as “every parent’s worst nightmare,” emphasizing the profound breach of trust by an educator in a position of authority and the lasting harm inflicted on the victim.

Ramirez’s defense attorney asked that the court impose a probation sentence, pointing to Ramirez’s lack of criminal history. But Judge Whitney disagreed. “I won’t do probation today,” Judge Whitney said. “It would be too great of a risk to other young women in the community.” Ultimately, Judge Whitney sentenced the Defendant to 14 years in prison with three years to serve before he will be eligible for parole. Judge Whitney also issued a 50 year no contact order prohibiting Ramirez from communicating with the victim.

“It is difficult to imagine more predatory behavior than a teacher taking advantage of a student,” said Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Boyd. “Our office remains committed to protecting children and pursuing justice for victims of sexual abuse, and we appreciate the diligent efforts of the Wilder Police Department in bringing this defendant to justice.”

Ramirez will be required to register as a sex offender upon release from prison.

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For more information, please contact our Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at (208)-754-7391

Canyon County Woman Sentenced for Aiding Murder of 37-Year-Old Travis Calumpit

Caldwell, Idaho – On October 23, 2025, Canyon County District Judge Randall Grove sentenced Rosalie Morris, 60, for the aiding in the murder of her of estranged son-in-law, Travis Calumpit, 37. Last year Morris and her daughter, Melissa Calumpit, drove from Nevada to an Idaho campsite where Melissa Calumpit shot Travis Calumpit in the chest. After the killing, the pair left the scene and disposed of both the firearm and the victim’s cell phone.

Anna Norris, the victim’s sister, told the court, “He didn’t deserve that. He should still be here with me and my family.” Norris described Calumpit as a beloved brother and uncle. “I miss my big brother so much,” she added.

The State, represented by Deputy Prosecutors Karson Vitto and Patrick Miller, requested a life sentence with 30 years of fixed time before the defendant would be eligible for parole. “This is a cold, premeditated murder. She wanted him dead, and nothing was going to stop her.” Vitto said.

Ultimately, Judge Grove sentenced Morris to 30 years in prison, with 18 years fixed before she is eligible for parole. “This is about the most extreme crime that people can commit,” Judge Grove said. “Your goal was essentially to treat Travis Calumpit like a dog — to put him down.”

Canyon County Prosecutor Chris Boyd thanked the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office for their diligent investigation. Boyd commented, “When a mother helps plot and carry out a cold-blooded murder, it strikes at the very heart of decency. I hope that today’s sentence prevents this Defendant from ever taking another life.”

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For more information, please contact our Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at (208)-754-7391

Daniel Colon Sentenced to Life in Prison for Violent Crimes Against His Family

Caldwell, Idaho – On October 8, 2025, District Judge Jonathan Brody sentenced 40-year-old Nampa man Daniel Colon to life in prison for his violent crimes against his family. Under the terms of the court’s sentence, Colon will not be eligible for parole for twenty-five years.

The sentencing follows Colon’s conviction in July 2025 by a jury on eleven felony and misdemeanor counts, including attempted murder, aggravated arson, and injury to a child. The convictions stem from a horrific incident in which Colon attempted to detonate an explosive device in the victim’s vehicle and set fire to their home while their five children were asleep inside. Earlier that evening, Colon had also strangled his wife, Tania Colon.

During the sentencing hearing, Ms. Colon addressed the court, describing the devastating impact of her husband’s abuse.

“He has crafted the perfect mask,” she said. “He knows exactly what he is doing.” Ms. Colon urged the court to impose the maximum sentence to ensure the safety of others, describing Colon as a man who “would rather see individuals dead than happy.”

Deputy Prosecutor Tracy Stoff, representing the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office, requested a life sentence without the possibility of parole, emphasizing the calculated and premeditated nature of Colon’s actions.

“The defendant was thoughtful and meticulous as he planned the murder of his family,” Stoff said, highlighting his history of domestic violence. “We know that the defendant is a monster behind closed doors.”

Defense counsel argued for a lesser sentence, proposing shorter, fixed terms on certain counts. However, Judge Brody ultimately imposed a life sentence with a 25-year minimum before parole consideration, citing the severity of the crimes and the danger that the defendant posed to the community. Judge Brody described the defendant as exhibiting a “classic, severe domestic violence pattern of thinking.”

Following the sentencing, Canyon County Prosecutor Chris Boyd issued the following statement:

“I applaud the bravery of Ms. Colon, and I hope the court’s sentence provides this family with a measure of closure while they can heal in safety. I also want to commend the Nampa Police Department and the Nampa Fire Department for their professional and thorough investigation in this case. Our community will not tolerate domestic violence, and I hope this sentence sends a message that those who commit these horrific acts against their family members will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Daniel Colon Sentenced to Life in Prison for Violent Crimes Against His Family

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For more information, please contact our Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at (208)-754-7391

Longtime Child Abuser Sentenced to Life in Prison without the Possibility of Parole

Caldwell, ID – On August 26, 2025, Canyon County District Judge Randall Grove sentenced Kenneth Ray Dial, age 42, to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Dial’s criminal conduct spanned a ten-year period and occurred in both Ada and Canyon Counties. His Canyon County charges included five counts of lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor; three counts of sexual abuse of a child; two counts of sexual exploitation of a child; and one count of witness intimidation.

In February of 2024, two minor children went to a residence in Nampa and asked for help, disclosing that Dial had sexually abused them. While the Nampa Police Department was investigating that report, two other children in Ada County disclosed to their mother that Dial had sexually abused them for years. During the ensuing investigation, it was discovered that Dial had a long history of abusing children with numerous victims of physical sexual abuse, as well as online child exploitation.

At sentencing the prosecution, represented by deputy prosecutors Stephanie Morse and Kyra Venecia, asked that the court impose a harsh sentence to reflect the severity of D

ial’s crimes. Ultimately, Judge Grove agreed, sentencing him to life in prison with no possibility of parole. “There is no sentence I could give you that is enough of a punishment for the harm you’ve caused,” Judge Grove told Dial.

“I am thankful to the detectives and staff who worked tirelessly on this case,” Nampa Police Chief Joe Huff said. “The Nampa Police Department will not tolerate those who prey on children in our community. I am also grateful for our partnership with the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office in bringing this perpetrator to justice.”

“Getting justice for these victims of child sexual abuse is a top priority for my office. Thanks to my special victims unit prosecutors and the diligent professionalism of the officers at the Nampa Police Department, the Kuna Police Department, and the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, we were able to put this sex offender away,” Canyon County Prosecutor Chris Boyd said. “I also want to express my gratitude to Judge Grove for ensuring that no other child will ever be victimized again by this predator.”

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For more information, please contact our Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at (208)-754-7391

Canyon County District Judge Randall Grove sentenced Kenneth Ray Dial, age 42, to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Canyon County District Court Sentences Francisco Torres Rodriguez to Life in Prison for Murder of Reyna Quintero

Caldwell, Idaho – On Friday, August 8, 2025, Third Judicial District Court Judge Gene Petty sentenced Francisco Torres Rodriguez, age 41, to life in prison with a minimum of 35 years without parole for the first-degree murder of his wife, 34-year-old Reyna Quintero.

In September of 2023, Torres Rodriguez fatally shot his wife in the head and attempted to stage the scene to make it look like a suicide. Earlier this year, a Canyon County jury convicted him of first-degree murder.

Deputy Prosecutors Stephanie Morse and Scott Vermeer represented the State of Idaho. At the sentencing hearing, the State argued for a fixed life sentence without the possibility of parole. “It’s what this defendant earned, it’s what this defendant deserves, and it’s what justice demands,” Deputy Prosecutor Stephanie Morse told the Court. Members of Reyna Quintero’s family delivered heartfelt statements, expressing the profound and devastating impact of her loss on their lives.

The Court imposed a fixed sentence of 35 years fixed plus an indeterminate life term, a $10,000 fine, and civil penalties. The Court also extended a no-contact order barring the Defendant from contacting surviving relatives for 50 years.

Canyon County Prosecutor Christopher Boyd expressed gratitude to his deputies and the Canyon County Coroner’s Office, as well as the Caldwell Police Department. “This heartless murderer ambushed and executed his own wife,” Boyd said. “He should spend the rest of his life in prison.”

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For more information, please contact our Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at (208)-754-7391

Woman convicted of injuring police officer and killing his police K9 in high-speed chase sentenced to prison

Caldwell, ID – On June 25, 2025, Stephanie Kettermann was sentenced in the Third District Court by Judge Thomas Whitney for a series of crimes arising from a high-speed chase last fall.

The case began on September 21, 2024, when Nampa Police Department officers responded to reports of a suspected drug transaction in the parking lot of the Walmart on Franklin Road. As officers approached, Kettermann fled the scene in a 2005 Dodge Ram, leading police on a high-speed pursuit. She reached speeds of up to 85 miles per hour, at times driving into oncoming traffic. The pursuit ended when Kettermann crashed into the patrol vehicle of K9 Officer Cody Huss. Officer Huss was injured in the collision. Tragically, his K9 partner, a police dog named Riddick, was killed. After the crash, Kettermann attempted to flee on foot but was quickly taken into custody. A search of her vehicle revealed a significant quantity of illegal substances, including methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Kettermann was ultimately convicted by a Canyon County jury of multiple felony charges, including drug trafficking, eluding law enforcement, and battery on a police officer. At sentencing, Deputy Prosecutor Patrick Miller asked the court to impose a 30-year sentence, with 15 years fixed before Kettermann would be eligible for parole, citing the danger she posed to the community and the serious nature of her offenses. Defense attorney Matthew Brewer requested a 13-year sentence with 3 years fixed, pointing to Kettermann’s lack of prior criminal history.

Ultimately, Judge Whitney sentenced Kettermann to 17 years in prison, with 12 years fixed before parole eligibility.

“This sentence holds the defendant accountable for her selfish and reckless actions, which endangered our community, injured a law enforcement officer, and led to the tragic loss of K9 Riddick,” said Canyon County Prosecutor Christopher Boyd. The Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office extends its gratitude to the Nampa Police Department for their partnership and continued efforts to make Canyon County a safer place. “This case is a tragic reminder of the risks that our law enforcement officers face every day, and we appreciate their sacrifice,” Boyd said.

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For more information, please contact our Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at (208)-754-7391

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