Denver Gang Leader Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder, Faces 95 Years in Prison
A 22-year-old man, Angel Adrian “Taz” Espinoza, who was the leader of the Denver street gang known as “2D$,” has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. He is set to be sentenced to 95 years in prison, according to the district attorney’s office.
The gang, also referred to as Too Damn Smooth, Too Damn Self-Made, or Too Damn Styling, consisted of 13 members who were indicted on 254 felonies ranging from murder to robbery in March 2023.
Initially facing charges of two counts of first-degree murder and four counts of attempted murder, Espinoza entered a plea of guilty to two counts of second-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, and one count of violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act.
Among the victims linked to the gang was Paul Baca Sr., who was tragically shot and killed in Denver on January 22, 2021.
Denver District Attorney John Walsh expressed relief at Espinoza’s guilty plea, stating, “Angel Espinoza was the leader of a brutal criminal organization that terrorized neighborhoods on the west side of Denver and showed no regard for human life. The city is safer now that he will be off the streets, effectively for the rest of his life.”
As part of the plea deal, Espinoza is facing a 95-year sentence in the Colorado Department of Corrections. The sentencing hearing has been scheduled for May 22.
An attorney representing Espinoza was unavailable for immediate comment on the case.
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Originally Published: March 17, 2025 at 8:23 PM MDT
