A Colorado mother who had survived cancer four times was tragically killed after a bullet fired from outside her home struck her while she was inside, authorities say.
Jennifer James, 49, was fatally shot on April 28 when a man, allegedly cleaning his gun while sitting in a parked car, discharged multiple rounds — one of which tore through a window and hit her in the arm and chest. The incident occurred in Berthoud, north of Denver.
The suspect, 20-year-old Ebenezer Worku, told police he accidentally fired his Glock 22 handgun and pulled the trigger again while attempting to clear the weapon’s chamber, according to an affidavit cited by KDVR.
Despite her injuries, James was able to call 911 before collapsing and losing consciousness. First responders attempted to resuscitate her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Two of her children were at home at the time of the shooting, authorities confirmed.
“It just makes me mad that such a senseless act of violence occurred,” said her eldest daughter, Ashley James. “You never think that’s going to happen to you.”
Ashley described her mother as “She was the most selfless mum that anyone could ask for,” Ashley said. “She kind of devoted her whole life to us kids, so I’ll be forever grateful for everything that she did for us.”
James’ remarkable story of resilience — having beaten cancer four separate times — has made the tragedy even more heartbreaking for the community and her loved ones.
Police were able to identify and arrest Worku using surveillance footage and license plate reader technology. He has been charged with first-degree murder and is being held at the Larimer County Jail on a $1.25 million cash-only bond.