GUILTY PLEA IN 'JOJO' ARAGON SLAYING

"JoJo" Aragon

Deigo Lopez

Photos: Denver Police

Diego Lopez pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the savage slaying of 14-year-old Josiaz “Jojo” Aragon during a playground gun deal gone bad.

The crime occurred in broad daylight.

Lopez, who was 16 at the time, was "in the process of buying" a weapon from the younger youth, the Denver DA said. A police investigation found videos linking Lopez to the killing.

The medical examiner ruled Aragon was shot, stabbed and beaten.

His body was found near a baseball diamond at the Southwest Recreation Center at 9200 West Saratoga Place on Aug 8. 2022.

Lopez, who was arrested two months later, faces up to 48 years in prison.

His sentencing is set for July 18.

Said DA John Walsh: "Diego Lopez is finally accepting responsibility for his horrific and senseless actions.  We will seek a heavy prison term when he’s sentenced.”