Denver jury finds 20-year-old guilty in Colfax Avenue shooting of Pamela Cabriales

A jury in Denver this week found a 20-year-old man guilty in the murder of a 32-year-old woman. The murder of Pamela Cabriales took place two years ago on Colfax Avenue near where it intersects with Interstate 25.

According to prosecutors, on Feb. 20, 2021, Cabriales was driving down Colfax and rear-ended a car driven by Neshan Johnson, who was 18 at the time. After the collision, a 14-year-old passenger jumped out and shot Cabriales.

The 32-year-old mother and real estate agent was on her way home from having dinner with a friend. She died a few days later. 

"[Johnson] was an essential component to my sister not being here with us today," said Alex Cabriales, Pamela's brother.  

"The prosecutors did an amazing job. They gave it all they could, and the jury deliberated, and they decided. Now the sentencing is up to the judge." 

The alleged shooter was charged as a juvenile in the case and his case has not yet gone to trial in juvenile court.

The Denver District Attorney's office said on Thursday the jury deliberated for a day before reaching their verdict. Johnson was found guilty on 2 counts of second-degree murder as well as several other charges including vehicle eluding and accessory to a crime.

"I thank the jury for its service and attention during this challenging trial, and I thank the members of my office who worked so long and hard to pursue this case. We will continue to pursue justice for Ms. Cabriales as we move forward with the prosecution of the juvenile we have charged in her murder," Denver DA Beth McCann said in a prepared statement.

Last August, prosecutors and defense attorneys discussed a plea deal that would have allowed Johnson to be charged as a juvenile, which the Cabriales family opposed. Ultimately, the judge denied the deal, saying it did "not reflect the seriousness of the case or the loss to the Cabriales family."  

A sentencing hearing for Johnson was scheduled to take place on June 30.

"We'll never get to see her again, so the individuals involved, they shouldn't have their freedom," Cabriales said. "Hopefully the judge decides on a maximum sentence."