Colorado mom who beat cancer four times killed by stray bullet in tragic shooting
Jennifer James, a single mother of four, survived 20 years of cancer battles before being fatally shot in her own home by a stranger firing randomly from his car.
After fighting cancer for two decades, Jennifer James lost her life not to illness, but to a senseless act of violence when a bullet tore through her Colorado home. She was 49.
In the peaceful town of Berthoud, Colorado, just 50 miles north of Denver, tragedy struck on the night of April 28, 2025. Jennifer James, a loving mom of four and a four-time cancer survivor, was at home when a bullet shattered her window, hitting her in the arm and chest.
Despite her injuries, Jennifer managed to call 911. But by the time emergency responders arrived, she had passed away. At the time, she was once again undergoing chemotherapy. Her death left her children and the close-knit community in shock and mourning.
“She was bravely battling cancer yet again at the time that she was taken from us,” wrote family friend Juliána King on a GoFundMe page set up to support her children. “Jennifer was the epitome of sunshine. Anyone who knew her thought of her as the nicest person they had known.”
Arrest made in shooting
Just days after the tragedy, police arrested 20-year-old Ebenezer Worku. According to investigators, Worku was sitting in his car on the street outside James’ home, trying to clean a gun given to him for his birthday. He admitted that he “accidentally” fired two shots out of his window without realizing anyone would be hurt.
After learning about Jennifer’s death, Worku reportedly broke down emotionally, saying, “I did it, and I’m getting punished for it…put me in jail.” He also claimed to suffer from what he called “homicidal schizophrenia.”
Now, Worku is facing a first-degree murder charge under the category of “extreme indifference.” He is being held in the Larimer County Jail on a $1.25 million cash-only bond.
Jennifer James wasn’t just a cancer survivor—she was a full-time mom who raised four children on her own. Her oldest daughter, Ashley, shared heartfelt memories of her mom with local news.
“She was the most selfless mom that anyone could ask for,” Ashley said. “She kind of devoted her whole life to us kids.”
In a message shared with 9News, Ashley added: “It feels like a cruel joke that she was taken from us in such a senseless and violent way, when she did nothing but fight for her life since she was 29-years-old.”
Jennifer’s strength, love, and kindness have left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. On May 14, her town came together to celebrate her life and honor her legacy—not just as a victim of a terrible act, but as a hero who fought every battle with courage and love.
Berthoud is a quiet town not used to violent crimes. For many locals, the idea that someone as beloved and resilient as Jennifer James could be killed by a random act is almost too much to bear.
Her story has touched thousands beyond Colorado. Online tributes continue to pour in, and her children are now receiving support through donations and kind messages from strangers moved by her incredible journey.
Jennifer James spent her adult life beating the odds—surviving cancer four times, raising her children alone, and spreading light wherever she went. That light was stolen far too soon, but her story is now being shared around the world as a reminder of strength, love, and just how fragile life can be.
As her daughter Ashley put it: “Her resiliency is something that I have always admired and is something that I hope to carry on in her memory.”
