Joe Rim, previously charged with second-degree murder, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the 2022 shooting death of 18-year-old Stephen Jacobo in Mesa, as reported by ABC15. In addition to the murder charge, Rim is facing up to 15 years in a separate but related case involving ten counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.
The incident occurred in November 2022, when Jacobo was fatally shot at a party near Southern Avenue and Dobson Road. Witnesses quickly identified Rim as the shooter. Despite his initial arrest shortly after the murder, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office delayed formal charges, seeking to strengthen the case. It took nearly two years for authorities to formally charge Rim with second-degree murder and additional counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, as noted by 12 News. The subsequent plea agreement reduced a potential 25-year sentence down to a maximum of 15 years.
During his court appearance on Friday, a judge determined that Rim's sentences for the second-degree murder conviction and the pending sexual exploitation charges will run consecutively, which could effectively double his prison time. The sentencing for the exploitation charges is scheduled to be decided at a later date.
Stephen’s father, Mark Jacobo, has actively sought justice for his son, speaking to media outlets such as ABC15 as the case developed. Reflecting on his loss, he described Stephen as a great kid who did not deserve such a fate. The case’s resolution could see Rim facing up to 30 years in prison if sentenced to the maximum for the pending charges.
