DENVER, CO – A Colorado woman has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder of a 16-year-old boy in what is being described as a senseless crime that cut short a young life with tremendous potential. The teenager, Abreham Yohhanes, was fatally shot in an apartment in Denver, and more than two years later, the woman responsible for his death faces the consequences of her actions.
Abreham Yohhanes lost his life on the evening of September 15, 2021, in a tragic incident that left a profound impact on his family and friends. Ashlye Handy, 36, who was reportedly Yohhanes’ girlfriend at the time, was convicted of second-degree murder earlier this year.
Denver District Attorney John Walsh, announcing the sentencing, lamented the “terrible, senseless tragedy” that claimed the life of a promising young man.
According to the arrest affidavit, the events unfolded around 11:08 p.m. when gunshots were detected by ShotSpotter, a gunfire locator system, near the apartment complex where Yohhanes and Handy had briefly visited. Surveillance footage captured the pair arriving at the location at 10:52 p.m., with Handy leaving alone just 20 minutes later.
The grim discovery of Yohhanes’ body was made at approximately 4 a.m. by a friend who went to check on him. The friend was alarmed by a disturbing social media post made by Handy’s brother, expressing a sentiment of farewell.
As the courtroom proceedings concluded, Walsh expressed hope that Handy’s sentencing would provide some comfort to the victim’s family and friends grappling with the loss. The community had rallied around Yohhanes’ family through various means, including a GoFundMe page, to offer their support and condolences in the wake of the tragedy.
Expressions of grief and memories of Yohhanes’ vibrant presence filled social media and community spaces, with loved ones emphasizing the deep void left by his passing. Though justice has been served, the young victim’s absence continues to resonate with his community.
The lengthy prison sentence underscores the serious nature of the crime and reflects the judicial system’s commitment to addressing violence responsibly. It also acts as a poignant reminder of the impacts that such incidents have on families and communities.