Clay County Authorities To Seek Death Penalty In Killing Of NKCPD Officer

The Clay County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has field notice of their intent to seek the death penalty against the man accused of killing a North Kansas City Police officer last year.

Joshua Rocha is charged with 1st-degree murder and armed criminal action in the July 19, 2022 killing of North Kansas City police officer Daniel Vasquez.

Authorities say Officer Vasquez initiated the traffic stop at 21st Street and Clay Street because of expired tags on the Rocha vehicle. Rocha turned himself in less than 20 minutes after the shooting, as a manhunt for him was just getting underway.

Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson will hold a press conference at 3 p.m. this afternoon (Tuesday) to provide more information.