Coffee with a Cop: Is That How I Get Answers About My Son's Death?

Chief of Police Stephen Ignacio's invitation to 'talk about anything and everything that people want to talk about that concerns them about their safety' at Coffee with a Cop this Police National Week rings hollow for me. As this week dedicated to honoring those who serve and protect unfolds, and with Mother's Day just one day away, the silence surrounding my son's death investigation is a crushing weight. While the Chief encourages concerned citizens to join for coffee, my family and I are still waiting for even a single meaningful statement regarding my son’s case.

For two years and forty days, we have been left in an agonizing darkness, desperately seeking answers that remain elusive. The launch of jarenslife.com on April 1, 2025, is to provide awareness of Jaren’s case and implore the Guam Police Department (GPD) for engagement. Yet, the complete silence from GPD since then underscores not just a lack of urgency, but a profound disregard for justice.

I've been waiting for a response from the Chief since requesting a meeting on January 20, 2025. I followed up on January 31st, learning he'd return the next day. I inquired again on February 4th about who could assist in his absence, but received no response. My follow-up on February 14th also resulted in no information on the Chief's availability.

The thought that 'police business that is normally conducted at one of the police precincts can also be done over coffee' is deeply unsettling. While officers may connect with the community over a casual cup, my reality is a constant ache, a void that no amount of coffee can fill. As Mother's Day approaches, a day meant to celebrate the bond between a mother and child(ren), I am instead faced with the stark absence of my son and the agonizing indifference to finding out what happened to him.

This National Police Week serves as an important reminder of the dedication and sacrifice of those who commit to protecting our communities. My son, who served as a military police officer in the U.S. Air Force and as a federal security officer, embodied this commitment. As we honor all law enforcement this week, I also hope that GPD will uphold the same principles of diligence and service in ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation into my son's case and improve their communication with his family.

My son's life mattered, and this continued silence, especially as I face another Mother's Day without him, is an unacceptable disservice to his life and to our pursuit for truth. Does justice for my son and communication with his family now hinge on a casual invitation to have coffee with a cop?