Pamela Cabriales Shot to Death By 14-Year Old With an AR-15 Because of Minor Fender Bender in Denver Colorado

On February 20, 2021, a shocking act of violence unfolded on West Colfax Avenue near Interstate 25 in Denver, Colorado. Pamela Cabriales, a 32-year-old mother, was fatally shot while sitting in her car after a minor traffic collision. The tragedy, which involved a teenage gunman armed with an AR-15-style rifle, sent shockwaves throughout the city and sparked debates on youth violence, gang-related crime, and justice system policies.

As details emerged, it became clear that Cabriales had no idea she was about to become the target of a brutal and unprovoked attack. The shooter, Remi Cordova, was just 14 years old at the time but displayed a level of violence that stunned both law enforcement and the community. His co-defendant, Neshan Johnson, who was 18 at the time, was later identified as the getaway driver.

This article delves into the details of the case, exploring the events leading up to the shooting, the investigation, the trial, and the impact on Cabriales’ family and the Denver community.

Who Was Pamela Cabriales?

Pamela Cabriales was a beloved mother, daughter, and friend. Described as a compassionate and hardworking woman, she was deeply devoted to her 6-year-old son. She worked in the real estate industry and was known for her kind heart and dedication to her family.

Her brother, Alex Cabriales, has been vocal about seeking justice for Pamela, emphasizing that she was a kind soul who didn’t deserve such a cruel fate. The Cabriales family had already suffered tragedy before—Pamela’s older brother, Noel Cabriales, was murdered in 1994. The pain of losing another family member to senseless violence only deepened their grief and determination to ensure the perpetrators were held accountable.

The Night of February 20, 2021: A Minor Collision Turns Deadly

On the night of February 20, Pamela Cabriales was driving her Land Rover on West Colfax Avenue when she had a minor fender bender. This small accident would soon escalate into a deadly encounter.

According to reports, Cabriales’ car briefly made contact with another vehicle, in which Remi Cordova and Neshan Johnson were passengers. Instead of resolving the situation peacefully, Cordova and Johnson drove away, only to return moments later with violent intent.

Cordova, armed with an AR-15-style rifle, exited the vehicle and walked toward Cabriales’ car. Without hesitation, he opened fire, unleashing 15 to 20 bullets at her. She was struck multiple times, including a fatal gunshot wound to the head.

Witnesses described a terrifying scene, with bullets shattering the windshield and Cabriales left critically wounded in her car. The suspects fled the scene, leaving Pamela fighting for her life.

The Aftermath: Emergency Response and Cabriales’ Passing

Emergency responders rushed to the scene, finding Cabriales unresponsive in her bullet-riddled vehicle. She was transported to the hospital in critical condition and underwent emergency surgery.

Despite doctors’ best efforts, she succumbed to her injuries two days later, on February 22, 2021. The community mourned her tragic passing, and calls for justice quickly followed.

The Investigation: Tracking Down the Killers

Denver police launched an intensive investigation, gathering surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, and forensic evidence to identify the shooters. It did not take long before Remi Cordova and Neshan Johnson were arrested.

Authorities discovered that Cordova, though only 14, had ties to gang activity and had previously boasted about his access to firearms. Johnson, who was 18, was identified as the getaway driver. Investigators linked them to the crime scene using witness statements and surveillance video that showed their vehicle fleeing the scene after the shooting.

Legal Proceedings: A Controversial Trial

As details of the case became public, there was widespread outrage over the fact that Cordova was only 14 years old at the time of the murder. Given the severity of his actions, prosecutors pushed to have him charged as an adult—a move that was highly debated.

Trial and Conviction of Neshan Johnson

Before Cordova stood trial, his accomplice, Neshan Johnson, was tried and sentenced in July 2023. Johnson, who was the getaway driver, was convicted of complicity to commit murder and was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

His sentencing marked the first step toward justice for the Cabriales family, but the focus remained on the main shooter—Remi Cordova.

Trial and Conviction of Remi Cordova

After months of legal proceedings, Cordova was ultimately tried as an adult. In November 2024, after hearing damning evidence, a jury found Cordova guilty of:

• First-degree murder
• Second-degree murder
• Attempted first-degree murder

His conviction was widely supported by the community and hailed as a necessary step toward accountability for violent juvenile offenders.

In December 2024, Cordova was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years.

The Impact on the Cabriales Family and the Community

Pamela Cabriales’ murder sent shockwaves throughout Denver. Her family was devastated but remained vocal in their pursuit of justice. Her brother, Alex Cabriales, became an advocate against gang violence and lenient sentencing for violent juveniles.

Many in the community rallied around the Cabriales family, calling for stricter laws to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The case also sparked discussions about juvenile offenders being tried as adults, with some advocating for harsher penalties for young criminals involved in violent gang activity.

Lessons and Ongoing Conversations About Youth Violence

Pamela Cabriales’ murder highlights several critical issues:

• Youth access to firearms: The fact that a 14-year-old had access to an AR-15-style rifle raised serious concerns about gun control and firearm accessibility.
• Gang recruitment of minors: Cordova’s affiliation with gang activity revealed the dangers of youth involvement in organized crime.
• The juvenile justice system: Cordova’s case reignited debates about when young offenders should be tried as adults.

While justice was ultimately served, the tragedy served as a grim reminder of the consequences of unchecked violence.

Conclusion: A Life Taken Too Soon

The murder of Pamela Cabriales on February 20, 2021, was a devastating and senseless act of violence. A beloved mother was taken from her young son, and a family was forced to relive past trauma.

Though the convictions of Remi Cordova and Neshan Johnson provided some justice, the pain of losing Pamela will never fade for those who loved her. Her legacy lives on through her family, who continue to advocate for stricter laws to prevent similar crimes in the future.

As Denver moves forward, her story serves as a tragic but powerful reminder that we must do more to address youth violence, gang activity, and the dangers of illegal firearms.