A tragic act of violence has left a community reeling after the death of a four-time breast cancer survivor in Berthoud, Colorado. This incident has not only shattered the life of a devoted mother but has also cast a pall over the entire town.
According to a report by 9 News Denver, 49-year-old Jennifer James was at her home undergoing chemotherapy when her life was abruptly cut short. On April 28, 20-year-old Ebenezer Worku allegedly fired a bullet that struck her through a window, fatally injuring her.
Worku was apprehended at the scene, where he claimed ignorance regarding whether anyone had been hit by his errant shot. As detailed by FOX 31 Denver, he reportedly fired his Glock 22 twice, first at the home and again while attempting to clear a jammed chamber. Notably, two of James’s four children were home during this horrifying event.
Using surveillance footage and license plate recognition technology, law enforcement managed to identify and track down Worku, as stated by the New York Post.
Jonah Beeken, owner of a nearby family entertainment center, recounted the chaos of that night. He received warnings from fellow business owners about stray gunfire and subsequently witnessed law enforcement canvassing the area for evidence.
“They were walking up and down the street, kind of checking the buildings out,” Beeken recalled. “Our community felt the weight of this tragedy because we are all interconnected.” He highlighted the devastating impact of the loss, noting that James was a mother of four still bravely battling cancer.
James’s daughter, Ashley, shared her heartbreak in a message to 9 News Denver, expressing the senselessness of the situation. “My mom was a single mom of four kids and a four-time breast cancer survivor,” Ashley James wrote. “It feels like a cruel joke that she was taken from us in such a senseless and violent way, especially after fighting for her life since she was 29.”
She went on to convey her admiration for her mother’s resilience: “She never once complained about her treatments in those 20 years. She was the most selfless mom, doing everything for us kids. Her strength is something I hope to carry on in her memory.”
The New York Post has reported that Worku faces charges of first-degree murder and is currently incarcerated at Larimer County Jail under a $1.25 million cash-only bond.
For those wishing to assist James’s children, donations can be made HERE.
