DENVER, CO – A Colorado woman will spend the next 25 years in prison for fatally shooting a teenager in a tragic incident that unfolded just minutes after they arrived at a Denver apartment. Prosecutors have described the murder as both senseless and devastating.
Denver District Attorney John Walsh announced the sentencing of Ashlye Handy, 32, at the time of the incident, remarking on the severe impact on the victim’s community. “A 16-year-old with a promising life ahead was killed in such a pointless act,” Walsh explained, underscoring the grave consequences of Handy’s actions and the measure of justice served for Abreham Yohhanes’ family and friends.
Handy’s conviction in January for the second-degree murder of Yohhanes led to this week’s sentence. The incident occurred on September 15, 2021, within an apartment located in the 1400 block of Yosemite Street. Reports indicate that Handy was Yohhanes’ girlfriend, as detailed in a recently released arrest affidavit.
On the night of the murder, authorities pinpointed the shooting at approximately 11:08 p.m., aided by data from ShotSpotter, a local gunshot detection system. This advanced technology identified gunfire near the 1425 Yosemite Street apartment complex, corroborating evidence from surveillance footage.
The video captured both Handy and Yohhanes entering the premises at around 10:52 p.m., with Handy departing alone about 20 minutes later.
Discovered by a friend at around 4 a.m., Yohhanes was found with a fatal head wound. This friend was prompted to visit the apartment after receiving a concerning screenshot of a text that had circulated in a Facebook conversation. The message came from Handy’s brother and read ominously, “I love you thug rest up.”
In the aftermath of Yohhanes’ death, his family and friends have expressed profound grief. A GoFundMe campaign set up for his family describes the community’s shock and heartbreak, emphasizing Yohhanes’ significant impact on those around him. The campaign states, “Abraham was a bright spark in this world and will be deeply missed.”
As Handy begins her sentence in the Colorado Department of Corrections, Yohhanes’ loved ones continue to mourn their loss and call for prayers and support during this difficult time.