Colorado Man Gets 96 Years After Firing 59 Shots Into Bar, Victim Says ‘I Died for a Brief Moment’
The accused had been removed from the bar earlier that night, but he later returned and created havoc.
In Colorado, Annette Kundelius, Weld County District Court Judge, has sentenced a 33-year-old man to 96 years in prison after he allegedly fired into a bar, wounding a bartender and putting several lives at risk. The attack came after he was kicked out of the bar for fighting, according to prosecutors.
Identified as Jimmy Cazares, the accused was convicted in February on multiple charges. These included two counts of attempted murder, possession of a weapon by a previous offender and criminal mischief. Cazares faced up to 134 years behind bars before the final sentence was handed down.
Victim Says “I Died for a Brief Moment” After Being Hit Multiple Times
A 33-year-old man has been sentenced to 96 years for shooting 59 rounds at a bartender.
According to Law & Crime, the shooting took place on November 30, 2024, in Greeley, a city northeast of Denver. Police responded to reports of gunfire at Wyler’s Pub and Brew. When officers arrived, they found a bartender with several gunshot wounds. One of the bullets struck the victim in the neck. Another woman was not hit by bullets, but was injured while standing in the line of fire.
Investigators said Cazares had been removed from the bar earlier that night due to a fight. About 40 minutes later, he returned. From outside the building, he opened fire and discharged 59 rounds into the bar.
The accused allegedly opened fire and discharged 59 rounds into the bar.
During the sentencing hearing, one of the victims spoke about the lasting impact of the attack. “My life changed forever that night,” the victim said. “I never could have imagined I was being shot at. I firmly believe I died for a brief moment.”
Prosecutors highlighted how closely the situation could have become deadly. Lacy Wells, deputy district attorney, said it was “only by the grace of God” that no one was killed. She described the act as senseless and violent.
“He gunned down two women at a local, community establishment and clearly has no respect for human life,” Wells told the court.
Wells also said the harm did not end when the shooting stopped. She pointed to the long-term effects on the victims, including physical injuries and emotional trauma. “These victims will live with the mental, emotional, and physical damage the rest of their lives,” she said.
The case highlights the heightened consequences of gun violence and the lasting scars left on victims and communities.
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