A tragic shooting in Denver shocked a young family and left a community grieving after a woman was killed at her own apartment door. Authorities say the suspect went to the home to confront a former coworker but instead shot the man’s wife when she answered the door. After a trial and months of court proceedings, the man responsible has now been sentenced to decades in prison.
Fatal Shooting at Denver Apartment
The incident happened on June 29, 2024, in Denver. According to investigators, 53-year-old Ernest Cunningham went to an apartment where his former coworker lived.
However, when the door opened, it was not the coworker who answered. Instead, the man’s wife, Kelsey Roberts-Gariety, came to the door.
Police say Cunningham immediately shot her. The 23-year-old woman died from the gunshot wound.
The shooting happened in the afternoon and quickly triggered a police investigation.
Suspect Targeted Former Coworker
According to court documents and police reports, Cunningham had ongoing problems with Roberts-Gariety’s husband.
The two men previously worked together, but Cunningham was eventually fired from the job. After losing his position, investigators say he became angry and began blaming his former coworker.
The victim’s husband told police that Cunningham:
- Knew where the couple lived
- Had conflicts with him at work
- Made threatening phone calls after being fired
Authorities said the suspect showed up at the apartment intending to confront the husband.
Instead, Roberts-Gariety opened the door and was fatally shot.
Witnesses Helped Police Identify the Suspect
Residents in the apartment building played an important role in helping investigators.
One neighbor told police they heard a loud gunshot followed by the sound of someone running away from the building.
Another resident recorded video showing Cunningham leaving the apartment complex in a car. That video helped police identify the vehicle.
Investigators also reviewed surveillance cameras, which showed the suspect’s car leaving the area shortly after the shooting.
Using this evidence, officers were able to track Cunningham down and arrest him only a few hours later.
Suspect Was Already on Parole
Court records revealed that Cunningham had a criminal history before the shooting.
At the time of the crime, he was already out on parole after serving time for a burglary conviction.
Prosecutors said this history was an important factor in the case because it showed a pattern of criminal behavior.
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Cunningham’s anger toward his former coworker led to a tragic and deadly decision.
Trial and Conviction
In December 2025, a jury found Cunningham guilty of second-degree murder for the killing of Roberts-Gariety.
The verdict confirmed prosecutors’ claim that the shooting was intentional and unjustified.
The case moved to sentencing several months later, where the judge determined how long Cunningham would spend in prison.
Court Sentences Cunningham to 42 Years
On February 27, Cunningham was sentenced to 42 years in prison for the killing.
For the victim’s family, the sentence represented a form of justice after a devastating loss.
The victim’s sister, Kylie Al-Nubu’at, spoke publicly after the sentencing and said the family felt some closure knowing the man responsible would spend decades behind bars.
She explained that the family’s pain will never go away.
While Cunningham will serve a long prison term, she said the family feels they are living with a lifetime of grief.
Impact on the Victim’s Family
The death of Roberts-Gariety left a deep emotional impact on her loved ones.
Family members described her as a young woman whose life ended far too soon.
Her sister said losing her has permanently changed the family’s life.
The emotional pain of the tragedy continues even after the court case ended.
