Denver Mom Mourns Son Killed in Easter Shooting

Shy-la Metcalfe calls for end to gun violence after losing second son to gunfire

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:39pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent shell casing on a dark concrete surface, lit by a harsh direct camera flash, conceptually representing the physical remnants of a tragic act of gun violence.The aftermath of a deadly shooting leaves behind the grim evidence of gun violence that has devastated another Denver family.Denver Today

More than a week after a tragic shooting during an Easter barbecue in Denver's Russell Square Park, Shy-la Metcalfe is mourning the loss of her 18-year-old son Pharrow Ware, who was caught in the crossfire and died after multiple surgeries. Metcalfe is now calling for an end to gun violence in the community, having also lost her oldest son to gun violence four years ago.

Why it matters

This heartbreaking story highlights the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities. Metcalfe's plea for accountability and an end to these tragedies reflects the urgent need for solutions to address the ongoing crisis of gun violence, especially in urban areas.

The details

Pharrow Ware was at an Easter party with his dad and siblings on April 5 when he was caught in the middle of a gunfire exchange between suspects driving by Russell Square Park and a 34-year-old man who was at the party. Pharrow was rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds and underwent multiple surgeries, but ultimately passed away on the night he was supposed to be going to his prom. No charges have been issued in the shooting, which also killed Pharrow's aunt.

  • On April 5, Pharrow Ware was shot during an Easter party in Denver's Russell Square Park.
  • Pharrow passed away on the night of April 12, the same night he was supposed to attend his prom.

The players

Shy-la Metcalfe

Pharrow Ware's mother, who is now mourning the loss of her second son to gun violence.

Pharrow Ware

An 18-year-old Denver resident who was killed in the Easter shooting while attending a family barbecue.

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What they’re saying

“I feel lost. Now I don't come home to him, I come home to his room, his empty room.”

— Shy-la Metcalfe, Pharrow Ware's mother

“My son deserved to be here. He worked hard to graduate.”

— Shy-la Metcalfe, Pharrow Ware's mother

“You make these decisions that ruin people's lives, that take lives, that turn families upside down. I feel like they should be held accountable to the fullest extent.”

— Shy-la Metcalfe, Pharrow Ware's mother

What’s next

There will be a community meeting on Thursday, April 16 at 6 p.m. at the St. Charles Recreation Center in Denver, where people in the community will have the opportunity to engage and ask questions following this devastating shooting.

The takeaway

This tragic story underscores the urgent need to address gun violence in Denver and across the country. Metcalfe's call for accountability and an end to these senseless killings reflects the deep pain and frustration felt by families devastated by such losses, and the imperative to find solutions that can prevent future tragedies.