Colorado Man Sentenced for Hate Crime Attack on Lesbian Couple

Vitalie Oprea received 20 years in prison for attempting to run over and ram the women's vehicle.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:39pm

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A Colorado man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for trying to run over two women with his vehicle and then ramming their truck when they tried to flee, in what authorities described as a hate-motivated attack targeting the women because he believed they were lesbians.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of hate crimes and violence targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, underscoring the need for stronger laws and enforcement to protect vulnerable communities from such attacks.

The details

Vitalie Oprea took his parents' vehicle without permission and spotted the two women at an intersection in Centennial, Colorado. Witnesses said he began yelling at them, made obscene gestures, then made a U-turn and drove towards them. The women fled to a nearby grassy area, but Oprea drove over the curb and across the grass, ramming their truck when they got inside. He then got out and tried to pull one of the women from the vehicle before fleeing the scene.

  • On February 19, 2023, the incident occurred in Centennial, Colorado.
  • Oprea was arrested later that day in Arvada.
  • On Wednesday, Oprea was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The players

Vitalie Oprea

A Colorado man who pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder after deliberately targeting two women he believed were lesbians.

Lauren Agee

The deputy district attorney who said the women were "targeted, chased, and left fearing for their lives" and that hate-motivated violence will be met with "accountability and significant consequences."

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What they’re saying

“These women did nothing to provoke this violence. They were targeted, chased, and left fearing for their lives. Our office takes hate-motivated violence extremely seriously, and attacks rooted in hate will be met with accountability and significant consequences.”

— Lauren Agee, Deputy District Attorney (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The 18th Judicial District announced that Oprea has been sentenced to 20 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need to address hate crimes and violence targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, and for stronger legal protections and enforcement to ensure the safety and equal rights of all members of the community.