Days following the conviction of Devon Bobian for the murder of Fountain police officer Julian Becerra, the fallen officer’s family shared their thoughts with TLNA. Bobian was found guilty on May 13 of second-degree murder, aggravated robbery, menacing, vehicular eluding, and first-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft. Here’s a closer look at the aftermath of the trial and the impact on Officer Becerra’s loved ones.
The Reaction of Becerra’s Family
Vanessa Becerra, Julian Becerra’s former spouse, expressed the emotional toll the verdict took on her and her daughter. While in Washington D.C. honoring Officer Becerra, Vanessa received news of the guilty verdict. She described the mix of emotions, stating, Hearing the verdict, we had to relive a lot of the trauma, a lot of the hurt that we went through. Vanessa emphasized the irreplaceable loss her daughter experienced, saying, My daughter has lost an important person in her life, and a big piece of her heart that she can never get back.
Seeking Closure
Despite the pain, Vanessa found a sense of closure and understanding from the verdict. She acknowledged that while the verdict won’t bring her former husband back, it marks a step towards justice. Gabriel, Officer Becerra’s father, echoed this sentiment, stating, We were happy. We know the verdict is not going to bring Officer Julian, my son, back, but justice is working its way up and let’s hope he gets justice.
Recounting the Tragic Events
The family vividly remembers the events of February 2, 2023, when Officer Becerra tragically lost his life. Responding to a robbery and carjacking, he engaged in a high-speed chase that ended tragically when he fell 40 feet from a bridge while attempting to apprehend Bobian. Officer Becerra succumbed to his injuries days later in the hospital, leaving behind his wife and two young children.
Coping with Loss
Officer Becerra’s daughter, Isabella, found solace in creating a bear for her father after his passing, a bear she now carries with her everywhere. Vanessa shared, She carries it with her every since. He’s always with her. Isabella also honors her father’s memory by carrying around a stuffed K-9 and wearing bracelets and a shirt dedicated to him.
Finding Strength in Faith
In the face of tragedy, the Becerra family has turned to their faith for strength. Gabriel emphasized the role of faith in their journey, stating, That’s one of the things that make it a little easier to move on because God is good, and Jesus is great.
Remembering Officer Becerra
The impact of Officer Becerra’s loss will forever shape the lives of his loved ones. Vanessa fondly recalled his sense of humor and dedication, describing him as a very funny person who loved making Isabella laugh. She emphasized his role as a loving father and dedicated police officer.
Sentencing and Future Steps
While sentencing for Bobian has yet to be determined, he faces a potential sentence ranging from 16 to 96 years in prison. Despite the trial’s conclusion, the Becerra family urges continued support for law enforcement officers. Gabriel stressed the importance of supporting officers morally and through expressions of gratitude.
Conclusion
The conviction of Devon Bobian brings a measure of closure to the family of fallen police officer Julian Becerra. As they continue to mourn their loss, they find strength in their faith and cherished memories of Officer Becerra. While the trial may be over, the legacy of Officer Becerra lives on, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew and loved him.
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