Joe Rim, the 21-year-old Gilbert man charged with second-degree murder in the 2022 death of Mesa teenager Stephen Jacobo, is slated to appear in court on April 29. The anticipated court date comes after a prolonged wait for justice by Jacobo's family following the fatal shooting that occurred at an apartment near Southern Avenue and Dobson Road in Mesa.
Jacobo, who had just turned 18, was killed during a birthday celebration with friends when Rim allegedly fired the fatal shot. Initially arrested just days after the incident and later released, it wasn't until January 2024 that Rim faced indictment and re-arrest for the murder, as reported by ABC15. "Every day feels like it just happened," Jacobo’s father, Mark, told ABC15. "So it doesn't get any easier."
After Rim's court appearance, Stephen's parents, Mark Jacobo and Alma Antolin, expressed relief that charges had been brought forward after months of grieving and grappling with a lack of closure. Mark Jacobo emphatically told the court, via a statement obtained by 12News, "(Rim) doesn't belong on the streets. He doesn’t belong to be released. He shouldn't get bond for the impact that he’s caused my family."
The memory of their son has inspired the Jacobo family to create a foundation in Stephen's honor which focuses on awareness, education, and support for other families enduring similar tragedies. "We kind of play both sides to bring awareness, educate people, and also support families and kids that are going through what we're going through," Mark shared with ABC15. Alma Antolin added, as per an interview with 12News, "Gun violence has to stop. Just violence in general has to stop. We're losing too many of our kids to gun violence every day and it's not right."
Rim remains in custody with a $750,000 secured appearance bond. His legal representation declined to comment on the upcoming proceedings. As the Jacobo family and the Mesa community await the trial, Rim's court dates for the status conference and preliminary hearing are set for January 25 and January 29, respectively, at the Maricopa County Superior Courthouse.
