Judge sentences Joshua Rocha to death for the shooting of an NKC Police Officer in 2022
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KQTV)-- A Clay County Judge sentenced a man to death in the fatal shooting of a North Kansas City Police Officer in 2022.
Joshua Rocha now faces death by lethal injection following a sentencing hearing on Monday.
Rocha was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action for the death of 32-year-old officer Daniel Vasquez.
Vasquez attempted to pull a vehicle over for expired temporary tags. Investigators said the driver got out of the vehicle and opened fire on Vasquez.
Jury Trials began at the end of September 2025 and ended on Oct. 15, where the jury suggested the death penalty.
Rocha's lawyer filed for a new trial, which was denied. Judge David Chamberlain agreed with the jury's verdict.
