A Douglas County jury last week found a Castle Rock man guilty on two second-degree murder charges for fatally shooting a 23-year-old man outside an apartment complex in 2022.

Miguel Angel Mercado, 23, was also convicted of two counts of attempted second-degree murder, despite claiming self-defense, 23rd Judicial District sofficials aid in a news release.

On Nov. 29, 2022, Mercado engaged in a confrontation 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.

Castle Rock Police Department investigators determined the shooting escalated from an ongoing personal dispute, according to officials.

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.

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

“In Douglas County you cannot use a gun in someone else’s fist fight,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Nate Marsh said in the news release.

“The verdict sends a strong message that we will hold offenders accountable and seek justice for victims – regardless of the circumstances,” Marsh said.

Mercado is scheduled for sentencing on July 18.