Overview

• Joshua Rocha was convicted last week of first-degree murder in the 2022 killing of North Kansas City Officer Daniel Vasquez, moving the case into the sentencing phase.
• Defense expert Dr. Scott Bender testified Rocha has Autism Spectrum Disorder with borderline IQ scores, describing longstanding cognitive deficits confirmed by testing.
• Family and mentor witnesses recounted severe childhood trauma, including alleged sexual abuse, a fatal house fire that killed two brothers and a grandmother, frequent moves, and a father’s long incarceration.
• Prosecutors highlighted evidence that Rocha made and sold 3D-printed gun parts and drugs, played recordings of his mother describing prior gunfire and his admission after the shooting, and filed a motion disputing intellectual disability.
• Judge David Chamberlain ended testimony Monday; closing arguments begin at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in Clay County as a jury selected from a St. Louis suburb prepares to decide death or life imprisonment.