Man sentenced to 42 years for fatal Denver shooting

Ernest Cunningham convicted of second-degree murder for killing Kelsey Roberts in her apartment

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Ernest Cunningham, 53, was sentenced to 42 years in prison for the 2024 murder of Kelsey Roberts, 23, in her Denver apartment. Cunningham was convicted of second-degree murder after intending to confront Roberts' husband but instead shooting Roberts when she came to the door.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and domestic disputes escalating to deadly outcomes in urban areas like Denver. The lengthy prison sentence reflects the severity of Cunningham's crime and the justice system's efforts to hold perpetrators of violent acts accountable.

The details

According to court records, Cunningham shot and killed Roberts at her apartment in southeast Denver in June 2024. Cunningham had previously been fired from a job where he used drugs, and he began threatening Roberts' husband, with whom he had a dispute. When Roberts came to the door, Cunningham shot and killed her, even though his intended target was her husband.

  • Cunningham shot and killed Kelsey Roberts at her Denver apartment in June 2024.
  • Cunningham was convicted of second-degree murder on December 22, 2025.
  • Cunningham was sentenced to 42 years in prison on March 1, 2026.

The players

Ernest Cunningham

A 53-year-old man convicted of second-degree murder for fatally shooting Kelsey Roberts in her Denver apartment in 2024.

Kelsey Roberts

A 23-year-old woman who was shot and killed by Ernest Cunningham in her Denver apartment in 2024.

Karen Brody

The Denver District Court judge who sentenced Ernest Cunningham to 42 years in prison.

John Walsh

The Denver District Attorney who said Kelsey Roberts' life was "brutally and senselessly" taken away by Ernest Cunningham.

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What they’re saying

“Kelsey Roberts was a young woman with her whole life ahead of her. Ernest Cunningham took that life away from her brutally and senselessly.”

— John Walsh, Denver District Attorney (Video statement)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Ernest Cunningham to appeal his 42-year sentence.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for stronger measures to address gun violence, domestic disputes, and mental health issues that can lead to deadly outcomes in communities. Policymakers and law enforcement must work to prevent such senseless acts of violence in the future.