A Colorado man has been sentenced to decades in prison after a confrontation with a former co-worker turned deadly. Authorities say the man went to the co-worker’s apartment to confront him, but when the co-worker’s wife answered the door, she was shot and killed. The case has left the victim’s family grieving while the court handed down a lengthy prison sentence.
Confrontation at Apartment Leads to Fatal Shooting
The incident happened on June 29, 2024, at an apartment in Denver, Colorado. According to investigators, 53-year-old Ernest Cunningham went to the residence to confront a former co-worker who had previously worked with him.
However, when Cunningham arrived at the apartment, it was 23-year-old Kelsey Roberts-Gariety, the co-worker’s wife, who answered the door.
Authorities say Cunningham then shot Roberts-Gariety, killing her.
Conflict Between Former Co-Workers
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by investigators, Roberts-Gariety’s husband told police that Cunningham had been angry with him before the incident.
The two men previously worked together until Cunningham was fired from the job.
The husband told police that Cunningham allegedly used drugs while working. After losing his job, Cunningham reportedly began directing his anger toward the husband.
Investigators said Cunningham repeatedly called and threatened him in the weeks before the shooting.
Witnesses and Video Help Identify Suspect
Police said people inside the apartment building heard a loud gunshot on the afternoon of the shooting.
One resident reported hearing the gunshot followed by the sound of someone running away from the scene.
Another resident captured video of Cunningham leaving the apartment building in his vehicle. That footage helped investigators identify the suspect.
Surveillance cameras also recorded Cunningham’s vehicle leaving the building shortly after the shooting occurred.
Authorities were able to track him down and arrest him just a few hours later.
Jury Convicts Cunningham of Murder
The case went to trial in late 2025. In December 2025, a jury found Cunningham guilty of second-degree murder for the killing of Kelsey Roberts-Gariety.
Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Cunningham went to the apartment intending to confront the victim’s husband but instead shot Roberts-Gariety when she answered the door.
At the time of the murder, Cunningham was already on parole for a previous burglary conviction.
Court Sentences Defendant to 42 Years
On February 27, Cunningham was sentenced to 42 years in prison for the murder.
Family members of Roberts-Gariety spoke about the devastating impact the crime had on their lives.
Her sister, Kylie Al-Nubu’at, said that any sentence longer than 20 years was effectively a life sentence for the 53-year-old defendant.
She added that while nothing could bring her sister back, the family believes justice was served.
Family Continues to Mourn Loss
Roberts-Gariety’s death has left a lasting emotional impact on her family.
Her sister told the court that the family now lives with lifelong grief after losing her.
According to relatives, the young woman’s life was taken in a senseless act of violence that occurred during a conflict that did not involve her.
