Bio

James David Meyer Jr. was born in 1991 and lived with his family in Littleton, Colorado. He was 15 years old when his younger sister, Jessica Elaine Meyer, died in 2006. Jessica was 13 years old and had just finished eighth grade at Powell Middle School. She was home on summer break when a fire broke out in the family garage.

At first, investigators treated the case as a suspicious fire. After a two-month investigation, police arrested James Meyer Jr. They later said a fight between James and Jessica may have led to her death, and that the fire may have been set to hide what happened. Because James was only 15, the case received attention when prosecutors charged him as an adult.

Murder Story

On June 7, 2006, firefighters were called to the Meyer family home in Littleton, Colorado, after a garage fire. After the fire was put out, 13-year-old Jessica Elaine Meyer was found dead inside the garage. Police found no sign of forced entry and later focused on Jessica’s older brother, James David Meyer Jr. He was 15 years old at the time.

After a two-month investigation, James was arrested on August 21, 2006. Police believed he was responsible for Jessica’s death and that the fire was intentionally started. On September 1, 2006, prosecutors charged James as an adult with first-degree arson and manslaughter. Investigators said a fight between James and Jessica may have led to her death, and the fire may have been set to hide what happened.

On January 8, 2007, James pleaded guilty to first-degree arson and manslaughter. On February 23, 2007, he was sentenced to 12 years for manslaughter and 18 years for arson. However, the judge suspended the prison sentence as long as he successfully completed six years in Colorado’s Youth Offender Program.