DENVER — A boy has been arrested and is being held for investigation of first-degree murder for the death of 17-year-old Diego Marquez.

Marquez was shot and killed around 1 a.m. on Sept. 21, 2019 near Green Valley West Ranch Park.

The Denver Police Department made the arrest following a tip to FOX31 and Channel 2 partners Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.

Earlier this month, the reward for information about Marquez’s death was increased to $10,000. 

“I’ve been told without the additional reward money, we would not have solved this crime,” said Michael Mills, the board president of Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.

Mills said he has spoken with Marquez’s father.

“He’s quite grateful, not just for Crime Stoppers and the community, but for Denver Police Department for the work they have done,” Mills said.

Mills said he is thankful the community trusts Crime Stoppers.

“And we feel grateful that law enforcement feels we are a necessary tool and resource for them. We can’t do it without the public’s help. We appreciate the public stepping forward and doing the right thing,” he said.

The name and age of the boy who was arrested were not released. Police only identified him as a juvenile male.

“From what I understand, this is one we want off the streets. And now he is,” Mills said of the suspect.

While Crime Stoppers offer a reward for information about crimes, Mills said not everyone accepts the money.

“[We] won’t know for 30-90 days whether they collect their money or not. We do know immediately the information they provided to us, we provided to detectives made a big difference. It gives me tingles, it makes me so happy to know we are relevant in the community and making a difference, making this a better city and a safer city,” Mills said.