Suspect Arrested in Nebraska for Colorado Cold Case

After nearly 18 years, an arrest has made an arrest in the 2007 homicide of 25-year-old Colorado mother, Jessica Bejarano.Darrell Burklund, age 72, a former maintenance worker, was arrested on Friday, March 14, 2025, in York, Nebraska, in connection with Jessica’s murder. He was been booked on a single count of second degree murder.On April 6, 2007, Frederick police officers responded to a call at a residence in the 7900 block of Larkspur Circle in Frederick, Colorado, where they discovered the body of Jessica Bajarano in the bathroom. She had suffered a single stab wound to her chest. At the time of the incident, her four-year-old daughter and two-year-old son were present in the home. Initially, investigators looked at various suspects, including the victim’s husband, who was later cleared as he was determined to be at work during the time of the crime. According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), “Investigators ultimately obtained DNA evidence that subsequently yielded a potential match to Darrell Burklund. On March 14, 2025, investigators conducted a follow-up interview with Burklund. Following the interview, Burklund was arrested and taken into custody at the York County Sheriff’s Detention Center, in York, Nebraska.”At the time of the homicide, Burklund was 54 years old.An extradition hearing was scheduled in York County for Wednesday, March 19, but had to be postponed due to inclement weather.“This arrest is the culmination of years of tireless work by our investigators for the unwavering pursuit of justice for Jessica Bejarano and her family,” said CBI Director Chris Schaefer, who was one of the original CBI agents assigned to this case in 2007. “I want to remind the victims' families to never give up hope. 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.” “We are grateful for the diligent and hard work of the CBI and its cold case team (especially Agent Kevin Koback). We never gave up hope. Chris Schaefer, who was on Jessica's case from day one, made a promise that he would not retire until Jessica's case was solved. He has kept his promise,” said Cece Merrow, mother of Jessica Bejarano. “There were so many twists and turns in her case, but we always had faith in the CBI.” Frederick Police Chief Todd Norris said, “The Frederick Police Department would like to thank all agencies involved for their dedication in this case to seeking justice and closure for the family of Jessica Bejarano.”“CBI extends its gratitude to Frederick Police, the 19th Judicial District Attorney's Office, and both Nebraska State Patrol, and the York County Sheriff's Office in Nebraska whose assistance was instrumental throughout this investigation,” said the CBI in a statement.

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