A Castle Rock man convicted of shooting and killing a 23-year-old man at a apartment complex in 2022 was sentenced Friday to 60 years in prison, according to the 23rd Judicial District.

Chief 23rd Judicial District Judge Ryan Stuart sentenced Miguel Angel Mercado, 23, to 40 years on a second-degree murder conviction, plus 20 years on second-degree attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon convictions, according to 23rd Judicial District spokesperson Tom Mustin.

On Nov. 29, 2022, Mercado got in a fight outside of the Pines at Castle Rock Apartments in Castle Rock, resulting in shots fired and the death of Daniel Vilchis Mercado, 23, who had no relation with Miguel Mercado, according to authorities.

A second man was shot and seriously injured in the incident.

In court, Miguel Mercado claimed self-defense in the shooting.

Officials said Castle Rock Police Department investigators determined the shooting escalated from an ongoing personal dispute.

Daniel Mercado, of Denver, became angry with Miguel Mercado’s roommate, accusing him of “being involved with (Daniel Mercado’s) girlfriend,” judicial district officials said.

The dispute reached an end when the parties met in the parking lot on Castlegate Drive West, where a fistfight then ensued, according to authorities.

During the fight, Miguel Mercado pulled out a gun, shot and killed Daniel Mercado, then shot and injured another man, officials said.

“The jury quickly and decisively dismissed the specious claim of self-defense by the murderer. Bringing a gun to a fistfight screams ‘gutless act of revenge,'” 23rd Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler said in a news release.

Responding to the sentencing, Castle Rock Police Chief Jack Cauley said the case “truly required an ‘all hands on deck’ approach.”

“Team members from every division stepped up and played a vital role in this investigation,” he said.

Brauchler concluded: “Some day this murderer will be free again. His victim and those who love him will never be free of this horrific crime.”