Jennifer James, a Colorado mother who had triumphed over cancer four times, tragically lost her life to a stray bullet that struck her home late last month. The 20-year-old suspect, Ebenezer Worku, confessed to the police, expressing his desire to be incarcerated and remorse for his actions, according to law enforcement officials.
Worku, who was apprehended by the police, reportedly admitted to the accidental shooting of James in her residence on the 500 block of 1st Street in Berthoud. This information was disclosed in his arrest affidavit, which was obtained by a local Fox affiliate, KDVR. The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office press release identified Worku as the alleged shooter and provided details of his confession post-arrest.
Worku reportedly suffers from a condition he described as “homicidal schizophrenia,” which causes him to hear voices that incite him to harm others, as per the affidavit cited by KDVR. He confessed to not taking his prescribed medication for two years. He also admitted to owning a Glock 22 handgun, a birthday gift from his “adopted uncle,” who was identified as the driver of the vehicle Worku was in on the night of the incident.
According to Worku’s account, he was driving south on 1st Street and was attempting to clean his gun when it unintentionally discharged, sending a bullet through the driver’s side window towards James’ house. He also confessed to firing a second shot while trying to clear the gun’s chamber.
James’ eldest daughter, Ashley James, expressed her anger and disbelief at the senseless act of violence that took her mother’s life. “You never think that’s going to happen to you,” she told the media.
The family of Jennifer James has initiated a GoFundMe campaign in her memory. They describe her as a “selfless mom” who was courageously battling cancer for the fifth time when her life was abruptly ended. The fundraiser’s description reads, “Jennifer was an incredible human being and was loved by so many people.”