Pamela Cabriales: Colorado mom shot 20 times in head by teen over minor collision, family lives in fear
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
DENVER, COLORADO: The Cabriales family has endured unrelenting fear and trauma since the horrifying incident nearly three years ago when Pamela Cabriales was shot 20 times in the head after a minor traffic accident.
The alleged perpetrator, 14-year-old Remi Cordova, who prosecutors claim was aspiring to join a gang, now faces first-degree murder charges and is set to be tried as an adult.
What led to the shooting?
The event unfolded on February 20, 2021, as Pamela was driving home from dinner and accidentally collided with the car Cordova was in, near a stoplight in Denver. In an act of violence, the teen suspect exited the vehicle and reportedly fired up to 20 shots into Pamela's head using an AR-15.
According to prosecutors, Cordova was seeking to "earn his stripes" for initiation into the Eastside Crips gang. He was actively "looking for trouble" that night and exhibited "no shame, no regrets" about the brutal killing, The Denver Post reported.
Cabriales family's silent struggle following tragedy
Despite not receiving direct threats, the Cabriales family lives in constant fear, grappling with the mental aftermath of Pamela's violent death. Alex Cabriales, Pamela's brother, emphasized the psychological toll, describing it as a form of PTSD that manifests in unsettling ways, such as waking up in the night fearing a break-in.
The trauma extends to Pamela's 8-year-old son, who, due to the tragedy, experiences intense anxiety and separation anxiety. "He'll get up crying in the middle of the night saying, 'I miss my mommy, something bad's going to happen to my daddy, I need to call my daddy,'" according to the boy's uncle.
In a recent development, a judge set Cordova's bail at $5 million cash, highlighting the severity of the charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 25.
