Man arrested for allegedly fatally stabbing young mother near her kids in 2007

FREDERICK, Colo. (TCN) -- Authorities recently arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of fatally stabbing a young mother near her children almost 18 years ago.

According to a news release from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), on April 6, 2007, Frederick Police responded to a home on Larkspur Circle and discovered 25-year-old Jessica Bejarano's body in the bathroom with a single stab wound to her chest. Bejarano's two kids, ages 4 and 2, were inside the residence at the time.

Per an affidavit reviewed by KUSA-TV, Bejarano's 4-year-old daughter told police she witnessed a large man come into her home and kill her mom. The CBI said officials investigated multiple leads, including the victim's husband, but they learned he was at work when his wife was killed.

The case went cold for decades until authorities obtained a DNA sample and learned it was a match to Darrell Burklund.

According to KUSA, investigators interviewed Burklund multiple times throughout the years, as well as family members and other people connected to the maintenance company the victim hired for home repairs. Burklund reportedly worked as a contractor for a maintenance company Bejarano used.

Bejarano allegedly said she was "creeped out" by Burklund, who would do some of her repairs. The suspect's boss reportedly fired him because of customers' concerns regarding his behavior.

According to the CBI, authorities interviewed Burklund and arrested him on March 14 on a charge of second-degree murder. Burklund reportedly told authorities he knew the victim's husband wasn't home when he went to her home and knocked on the door. Burklund and Bejarano allegedly got into a dispute, and she scratched him before he "lost it" and stabbed her. Burklund reportedly fled to Nebraska and threw the knife he used to stab her out of his window while driving.

Burklund was booked into the York County Sheriff's Detention Center and will appear for an extradition hearing before he's transported back to Colorado to face charges.

According to KUSA, Burklund wrote a note to the victim's daughter after his confession apologizing for his crimes. Part of the letter said, "If I could go back to that day I could [guarantee] things would be different. The things I put your family thru has worked on me all this time. As is your case my family meant everything to me. I don't expect your forgiveness my conscience will torture me the rest of my life. If I could turn back the hands of time you, your brother, and dad would enjoy your mom while you were growing up. I'm so sorry this happened."

Burklund was 54 years old when he allegedly killed Bejarano.

In a statement, CBI Director Chris Schaefer said, "This arrest is the culmination of years of tireless work by our investigators for the unwavering pursuit of justice for Jessica Bejarano and her family."

The victim's mother, Cece Merrow, added, "We are grateful for the diligent and hard work of the CBI and its cold case team (especially Agent Kevin Koback). We never gave up hope. Chris Schaefer, who was on Jessica's case from day one, made a promise that he would not retire until Jessica's case was solved. He has kept his promise."

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