DENVER COLORADO, A Colorado man who went to his former co-worker’s home to confront him has been sentenced to decades in prison after fatally shooting the man’s wife when she answered the door.
Ernest Cunningham, 53, was found guilty in December 2025 of second-degree murder in the death of 23-year-old Kelsey Roberts-Gariety. Authorities said the shooting occurred on June 29, 2024, at an apartment in Denver where Roberts-Gariety lived with her husband.
Investigators said Cunningham had previously worked with the victim’s husband but had been fired from his job. According to court records, Cunningham went to the residence intending to confront his former co-worker. When Roberts-Gariety opened the door instead, he shot her.
Police said Roberts-Gariety’s husband later told investigators that Cunningham knew where the couple lived and had ongoing issues with him following his termination. Authorities said Cunningham had previously made threatening calls toward the husband after losing his job.
Residents in the apartment building reported hearing a gunshot and the sound of someone running from the scene. Another resident recorded video showing Cunningham leaving the building in his vehicle shortly after the shooting.
Investigators used the footage and additional surveillance video to identify the suspect’s vehicle and track him down. Cunningham was arrested later the same day.
Officials also noted that Cunningham was on parole at the time of the shooting following a prior burglary conviction.
On February 27, a judge sentenced Cunningham to 42 years in prison.
Family members of the victim said the sentence brings a measure of justice but cannot undo the loss. Roberts-Gariety’s relatives described her as a young woman whose life was taken far too soon.
