Colorado – In a disturbing case that left Colorado residents shaken, a 36-year-old woman, identified as A. Handy, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy, identified as A. Yohhanes, she was dating. The District Attorney’s Office announced the conclusion of this tragic incident, which stemmed from an event in September 2021, when Handy was 32 years old. This sentencing marks the end of a legal battle that has left a family grieving and a community in disbelief.
On the night of September 15, 2021, Handy and her boyfriend Yohhanes arrived at an apartment. Surveillance footage reviewed by the police captured the couple arriving at approximately 10:52 p.m. Mere minutes later, at 11:08 p.m., the area’s ShotSpotter system, which detects and locates gunshots, reported gunfire directly adjacent to the apartment building. By 11:12 p.m., Handy was seen leaving the apartment complex alone.
The tragic discovery of Yohhanes was made several hours later, around 4:00 a.m., by a friend who came to check on him after receiving a concerning message that read, “I love you thug rest up,” part of a screenshot of a text sent by Handy’s brother. The friend found Yohhanes suffering from a fatal head wound, a direct result of the shooting earlier that night. Following the incident, Handy fled the scene, leaving behind a community in mourning and a family devastated by their loss. She was arrested on October 19, 2021, and faced trial earlier this year. The trial, which culminated in a swift deliberation, saw Handy convicted of second-degree murder on January 14.
During the trial, evidence presented included the digital footprint of Handy’s movements, the physical evidence collected at the scene, and the haunting final moments of Yohhanes captured by surveillance and acoustic detection technology. Despite the defense’s efforts to counter the allegations, the jury found the array of evidence presented by the prosecution compelling enough to convict Handy.
The loss of Yohhanes, described as a vibrant and beloved member of his community, has left deep scars. In a statement, District Attorney J. Walsh reflected on the senselessness of the tragedy, emphasizing the profound impact Yohhanes’ death has had on those who knew him. A GoFundMe page set up to support Yohhanes’ family describes him as having “a bright spark” and an “unwavering enthusiasm” for life, highlighting the community’s profound sense of loss.
The sentencing of Handy to 25 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections is seen as a step towards justice for Yohhanes and his grieving family. The district attorney expressed hope that the resolution of this case might bring some comfort to Yohhanes’ loved ones and restore a sense of justice to the community shaken by this brutal act of violence. As the legal chapter closes with Handy’s sentencing, the emotional and psychological wounds continue to heal for those affected by this tragedy. The community and Yohhanes’ family are left to navigate the aftermath of a senseless act that took a young life far too soon. The case also serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of violence and the importance of addressing such issues proactively within communities.
