A Colorado mother who had bravely survived cancer four times was tragically killed after a man allegedly fired multiple gunshots into her home, claiming he was “just cleaning his gun,” according to police.
Jennifer James, 49, was fatally shot on April 28 in Berthoud, north of Denver, when 20-year-old Ebenezer Worku allegedly discharged a Glock 22 handgun from his parked vehicle outside her house.
According to a police affidavit cited by KDVR, Worku told investigators the shooting was accidental — claiming he unintentionally fired a round while handling the weapon, and fired again while trying to clear the chamber. One of the bullets pierced a window and struck James in the arm and chest.
Despite being seriously wounded, James managed to call 911 before collapsing. Emergency responders attempted to revive her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Two of her children were at home during the incident, police said.
“It just makes me mad that such a senseless act of violence occurred,” said Ashley James, the victim’s eldest daughter. “You never think something like this will happen to your family.”
James, a mother of four, had survived cancer four times. Her daughter described her as a devoted parent who always put her children first. “She was the most selfless mum anyone could ask for. She devoted her whole life to us,” Ashley said. “I’ll be forever grateful.”
Authorities were able to identify and apprehend Worku using surveillance footage and license plate reader technology. He has been charged with first-degree murder and is currently being held at the Larimer County Jail on a $1.25 million cash-only bond.
