A Colorado gang member, who was just 14 years old at the time, has been found guilty this week for the tragic shooting of a young child’s mother with a high-powered assault rifle following a minor fender bender at a Denver intersection.
On Friday, Remi Cordova, aged 18, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of 32-year-old Pamela Cabriales, as stated by Denver District Attorney Beth McCann in a press release. Cordova faced charges and underwent trial as an adult following a transfer from Juvenile Court to District Court, a move prompted by the serious nature of the offense, according to prosecutors.
McCann described it as a brutal and heartless killing.
On February 20, 2021, violence erupted at a stoplight on Colfax Avenue and Interstate 25.
Cordova, riding in a vehicle operated by fellow teen Neshan Johnson, believed that Cabriales had lightly bumped their car from the rear while they were stopped at a red light, as reported by the Denver Gazette, referencing court documents.
Johnson informed law enforcement Cordova exited the vehicle with an AR15 and discharged 15 to 20 rounds into the car trailing them, as stated in court documents.
Cabriales was admitted to the hospital and passed away shortly thereafter. The individual operating the car positioned directly behind Cabriales’ vehicle emerged unscathed from the incident involving gunfire.
Alex Cabriales provided a harrowing account to local Fox affiliate KDVR regarding his sister’s injuries, stating, “the whole top of her head was blown off.” Her brain lay bare.
A Denver police officer identified the suspects’ vehicle the next day, recalling its involvement in a previous incident at a McDonald’s where shots were fired into the restaurant while it was occupied. A police officer chased the vehicle, leading to a crash, and the teenagers were later apprehended following a search.
Cordova had a history as a gang member and a record of juvenile offenses.
During closing arguments on Tuesday, prosecutor Jacob Friedberg informed jurors that he boasted to police about his “toy” — the AR-15 — and his ascent within the gang hierarchy, as reported by the Denver Post.
In June 2023, Johnson received a 35-year prison sentence.
Cordova is looking at a potential life sentence, with the chance for parole after 40 years, as he awaits sentencing on December 12.