Windsor more vigilant after shootings are linked

UPDATE 4 p.m. Thursday:PD refuses to rule out Loveland shooting link

A feeling of resilience — and fear — lingers with some Windsor residents after law enforcement linked the murder investigation of John Jacoby and a shooting near Interstate 25 in Fort Collins.

On a bright and sunny Saturday morning, Steve Pabst was hauling the trappings of an idyllic Rocky Mountain morning — gear from his son's baseball practice, just hours before an afternoon game. As coach for the under-10 Little League team, he said he kept particular vigilance even before John Jacoby was found shot to death directly north of town, a mere two and a half miles from the park where his team practiced.

But that seemingly random act of violence has him thinking about a neighborhood watch program and shining a spotlight on strange cars that linger too long in the middle of the night. Pabst doesn't want to encourage fear in the town, but he also won't drop his guard.

"I'm a little shocked by (the shootings), but I know there's crazies out there," he said.

New precautions include his wife and son avoiding walking alone, and putting off early morning activities until the world is more awake, he said.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced Friday a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction for the incidents. Windsor Police Chief John Michaels said then that the shootings appear random, though evidence suggests they are linked. He would not discuss any of the evidence.

INVESTIGATION: FBI joins Windsor cyclist fatal shooting investigation

As for how safe people should feel as they travel in Northern Colorado? Michaels called it an impossible question to answer.

Almost a month had passed between the time Cori Romero, 20, of Milliken, was shot while on an I-25 on-ramp and the murder of Jacoby. Romero's vehicle was shot twice and one round struck her in the neck. She survived the attack.

Jacoby, a beloved Windsor resident, was shot twice as well, though he was riding his bicycle on a county road north of Windsor, about four and a half miles away from where Romero was shot. The victims did not appear to know each other, according to law enforcement.

Brooke Sprinkle, who was picking up her daughters and mother from the park Pabst had baseball practice at, said she knew Jacoby, mourned for him and hoped for quick closure. And, like Pabst, Sprinkle said her family has been more alert and likely to stay in groups.

Others are even more on edge: Fear of reprisal led one person to ask not to be identified as talking about the subject.

Northern Colorado law enforcement, including Windsor police, the Weld and Larimer county sheriffs' offices and district attorneys, along with the FBI, have formed a task force to investigate the incidents.

The Windsor Police Department asks residents to report any suspicious activity by calling 970-674-6400. Anyone with information about the shootings is urged to call 1-800-222-8477 or text 274637 and start the text with NOCO, followed by the message.

MORE ON THIS STORY

Video: Brother of Windsor shooting victim speaks out

Hundreds honor slain Windsor cyclist John Jacoby

Slain man's paramedic brother was first on scene