A Colorado family is searching for answers after a 28-year-old father of four was shot and killed near a Denver skate park.
The tragic incident happened less than an hour after he returned home, spoke with his wife, and stepped back outside. While the person believed to be responsible claims the shooting was an act of self-defense, the victim’s wife says the explanation simply does not make sense.
Father of Four Found Fatally Shot Near Denver Skate Park
Jacob Hensley, 28, was found critically wounded near the Denver Skatepark at the intersection of 20th Street and Little Raven Street. According to police, he had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital, but despite medical efforts, he later died from his injuries. Authorities say the shooting occurred on the night of May 21, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The case has left family members devastated as they struggle to understand how a routine evening turned into a deadly tragedy.
Last Conversation With His Wife
According to Jacob’s wife, Allison Hensley, her husband had been out drinking that evening before returning home. She said he was heavily intoxicated when he arrived at their apartment and was having trouble standing.
As their children were preparing for bed, Allison encouraged him either to rest in another room or leave the apartment for a while. She said Jacob eventually went back outside.
That would be the last time she saw him alive.
Less than an hour later, police discovered him suffering from gunshot wounds near the skate park.
Self-Defense Claim Raises Questions
According to Allison Hensley, investigators informed her that the person suspected of shooting her husband claimed the shooting happened in self-defense.
However, she strongly disputes that version of events. Allison said Jacob was so intoxicated that night that he could barely stand on his own, making it difficult for her to believe he posed a serious threat to anyone.
She questioned how someone sitting inside a vehicle and carrying a firearm could have felt endangered by a man who was struggling to walk.
The self-defense claim has become one of the central issues in the ongoing investigation.
Wife Describes Husband as Dedicated Father
Allison described Jacob as a loving father and hardworking family man. The couple had been married for ten years and were raising four children together.
She said he was intelligent, motivated, and deeply committed to providing for his family. According to her, Jacob worked as a general contractor and was focused on building a better future for those he loved.
Friends and family members have also shared memories of Jacob as someone who cared deeply about his children and worked hard to support them.
Pocketknife Mentioned During Investigation
Jacob’s wife acknowledged that he regularly carried a pocketknife for work-related purposes. As a contractor, he used the tool as part of his daily job duties.
However, she rejected any suggestion that he would use the knife to threaten or attack someone. Allison said claims that her husband was pulling a knife on people were completely out of character and inconsistent with the person she knew.
Investigators have not publicly released all details surrounding the encounter that led to the shooting.
Police Continue Active Investigation
The Denver Police Department confirmed that detectives are actively investigating the case and remain in contact with everyone involved.
Authorities have not announced any arrests, and officials say they are continuing to gather evidence before making decisions about potential criminal charges.
Investigators are reviewing witness statements, forensic evidence, and other information to determine exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the shooting.
As the investigation continues, police have asked anyone with information to come forward.
Family Struggles With Sudden Loss
The death has left Jacob’s family facing an overwhelming emotional burden. Allison said the loss has been especially difficult for their four children, who are now growing up without their father.
In a social media post, she described her husband’s death as sudden and violent and said the family is still trying to process the unimaginable tragedy.
She also expressed hope that the investigation will ultimately provide answers and accountability for what happened.
