After nearly 20 years battling cancer, a Colorado mother’s life was tragically cut short when bullets pierced her home as she was undergoing chemotherapy.
Jennifer James, a 49-year-old single mother of four from Berthoud, Colorado, had survived cancer four times. On April 28, 2025, just before 11:20 p.m., she was shot through her window and died after managing to call 911. Two of her children were reportedly home at the time.
“She was bravely battling cancer again when she was taken from us,” said Juliána King, organizer of a GoFundMe for James’ children. “She was the kindest person you could meet.”
On May 1, authorities arrested 20-year-old Ebenezer Worku, who allegedly fired the shots while trying to clean a gun in his car. Claiming to suffer from “homicidal schizophrenia,” he confessed to the shooting, saying, “Put me in jail,” and was charged with first-degree murder under “extreme indifference.” He’s being held on a $1.25 million bond.
James’ daughter, Ashley, remembered her as “the most selfless mom,” who devoted her life to her children and faced her illness with strength and grace. “It feels like a cruel joke,” she said. “She fought for her life for 20 years, only to be taken in such a senseless way.”
On May 14, the Berthoud community gathered to honor Jennifer’s life, remembering her courage, love, and resilience.