BERTHOUD, Colo. (KDVR) — The tight-knit community of Berthoud, Colorado, is grieving the loss of a prominent woman who fell victim to a random shooting incident.
Jennifer James, 49, who had courageously battled and overcome cancer four times, was tragically killed in her own home when bullets from a stranger’s vehicle struck her, as reported by investigators.
Two bullets went through a window and a wall and killed Jennifer James.
“It infuriates me that such a pointless act of violence took place, and you never imagine something like this happening to you,” stated Ashley James, Jennifer’s eldest daughter, in an interview with FOX31.
By all accounts, James was well loved by so many in Berthoud.
She was passionate about helping kids who were battling cancer, too.
She loved helping find animals a home and was a huge Denver Nuggets fan.
The bullets that investigators say came from a stranger’s gun left a hole in the heart of this community.
“She was the most selfless mom that anyone could ask for. She kind of devoted her whole life to us kids, so I’ll be forever grateful for everything that she did for us,” James said.
The shooting happened on April 28 around 11:20 p.m., according to an affidavit for the suspect’s warrantless arrest obtained by FOX31.
Two of James’ children were home at the time of the shooting.
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According to the affidavit, Larimer County Sheriff’s Department investigators used surveillance video and license plate reader data to track down the suspect.
The sheriff’s office arrested 20-year-old Ebenezer Worku, of Denver, and charged him with first-degree murder — extreme indifference after he was taken into custody for questioning and admitted to firing the gun.
Worku claimed that he accidentally fired the gun twice, not knowing how it worked. He was booked into the Larimer County Jail and was issued a $1.25 million cash-only bond.
James’ funeral is set to take place later this month.
A fundraiser through GoFundMe has been set up to help the family cover expenses. Those who wish to contribute can donate online.
More details on the investigation from the affidavit can be found in a separate article here.
