In a horrific case that has left Colorado residents shaken, a 36-year-old woman named A. Handy has been sentenced to 25 years in jail for fatally shooting a 16-year-old boy named A. Yohhanes, whom she was seeing. The District Attorney’s Office has revealed the outcome of this unfortunate occurrence, which occurred in September 2021, when Handy was 32 years old. This sentencing brings an end to a legal battle that has left a family bereaved and a community in shock.
On the night of September 15, 2021, Handy and her partner Yohhanes arrived at their flat. Police investigated surveillance footage and discovered that the couple arrived around 10:52 p.m. A few minutes later, at 11:08 p.m., the area’s ShotSpotter system, which detects and locates gunshots, reported gunfire precisely next to the apartment complex. Handy was last spotted leaving the apartment complex alone at about 11:12 p.m.
Yohhanes’ fatal discovery was made several hours later, around 4:00 a.m., by a friend who came to check on him after receiving a worrying message that read, “I love you, thug. Rest up,” as part of a screenshot of a text received by Handy’s brother. Yohhanes’ companion discovered him with a deadly head wound as a result of the shooting earlier that night. Following the incident, Handy fled the scene, leaving a bereaved neighborhood and a family crushed by their loss. She was arrested on October 19, 2021, and stood trial early this year. Handy was convicted of second-degree murder on January 14, following a brief deliberation.
During the trial, evidence presented included Handy’s digital trace, tangible evidence obtained on the site, and Yohhanes’ horrific final moments captured by CCTV and acoustic detection devices. Despite the defense’s efforts to refute the charges, the jury deemed the evidence offered by the prosecution convincing enough to convict Handy.
The death of Yohhanes, a dynamic and adored member of his community, has left deep wounds. District Attorney J. Walsh said in a statement that the tragedy was senseless and that Yohhanes’ death had a deep impact on those who knew him. A GoFundMe page established to assist Yohhanes’ family characterizes him as having “a bright spark” and “unwavering enthusiasm” for life, emphasizing the community’s great sense of loss.
Handy’s sentence to 25 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections is viewed as a step toward justice for Yohhanes and his mourning family. The district attorney expressed hope that the outcome of this case would provide some solace to Yohhanes’ loved ones and restore a sense of justice to the community traumatized by this heinous act of violence. As the legal phase concludes with Handy’s punishment, individuals affected by this tragedy continue to heal emotionally and psychologically. A terrible act that claimed a young life far too soon leaves the community and Yohhanes’ family to deal with its repercussions. The case also serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of violence and the significance of addressing such issues early in communities.
