A devoted mother of four who overcame cancer not once but four times was tragically killed when a stray bullet entered her home last month.
Jennifer James, 49, was at home in Berthoud, Colorado, on the evening of April 28 when 20-year-old Ebenezer Worku allegedly fired a weapon from his car parked outside, according to PEOPLE.
Cancer survivor Jennifer James, 49, was fatally struck by a random bullet in her home on April 28.
GoFundMe
The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office reported that one of the bullets broke through a window and struck Jennifer in both her arm and chest.
Despite her serious injuries, Jennifer managed to call 911 before collapsing.
A nearby Colorado State Patrol trooper and first responders tried to save her life, but she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
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Two of Jennifer’s children were in the house when the shooting happened, but thankfully, they were not physically hurt, authorities said.
Her oldest daughter, Ashley James, shared her heartbreak with reporters and said: “It just makes me mad that such a senseless act of violence occurred,” according to The New York Post.
“You never think that’s going to happen to you,” she continued.
Ashley also added: “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.”
Worku was arrested on May 1, three days after the incident. Investigators were led to him through security footage and license plate data.
Ebenezer Worku, 20, allegedly opened fire from his car while allegedly trying to clean his gun.
Larimer County Sheriff’s Office
During questioning, he claimed he had been cleaning his Glock 22 in his car when it fired “accidentally” through the driver’s side window.
Thinking the gun wasn’t loaded, he tried to clear it by firing more rounds, according to the police affidavit cited by KDVR.
He allegedly told police he believed the bullets would just hit a nearby wall. Then, he reportedly turned off his headlights and drove off to avoid being noticed.
Worku has been charged with first-degree murder under extreme indifference.
He is currently in custody at the Larimer County Jail with a bond set at $1.25 million in cash only.
His disposition hearing is scheduled for June 6.
The late mom had beaten cancer four times.
GoFundMe
Jennifer had fought cancer for over 20 years after first being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 29.
Friends shared that she was in the middle of chemotherapy for a fifth battle when her life was cut short.
“Jennifer was the epitome of sunshine. Anyone who knew her thought of her as the nicest person they had known,” said her friend Juliána King, who organized a GoFundMe page to help support Jennifer’s four children.
She added: “Jennifer was an incredible human being and was loved by so many people.”
Her family is planning a celebration of life to be held on May 14.
Our hearts go out to everyone grieving this unimaginable loss