Durango Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Motel Shooting Death

Johnny Cash Kimbrough convicted of second-degree murder and witness tampering in 2023 killing of Quentin Mayberry

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:54am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a single spent shell casing on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the physical evidence in a violent crime case.A stark visual representation of the physical evidence that led to a lengthy prison sentence for a Durango man convicted of a motel shooting death.Durango Today

A 22-year-old Durango man, Johnny Cash Kimbrough, was sentenced to nearly 45 years in prison for the 2023 shooting death of Quentin Mayberry at a local motel. Kimbrough was found guilty of second-degree murder and witness tampering charges after prosecutors argued he deliberately shot Mayberry out of jealousy over a romantic rival, while the defense claimed Kimbrough acted in self-defense. The judge handed down the lengthy sentence, citing Kimbrough's lack of remorse and attempts to influence witness testimony.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences for violent crimes and witness tampering in Colorado, as the courts aim to uphold the integrity of the justice system and provide closure for victims' families. The sentencing also raises broader questions about the role of jealousy, manipulation, and self-defense claims in homicide cases.

The details

Kimbrough, 22, was found guilty in December 2025 of shooting Quentin Mayberry in the head on October 25, 2023, at the Wapiti Lodge in Durango. Prosecutors said Kimbrough wanted to eliminate a romantic rival out of jealousy, as Mayberry had a history with Kimbrough's on-again, off-again girlfriend, Hunter Griswold. The defense argued Kimbrough, then 20 years old, acted in self-defense after Mayberry forced his way into the motel room. Kimbrough was also convicted of two counts of witness tampering for trying to influence Griswold's testimony to make himself appear less culpable.

  • Shooting occurred on October 25, 2023
  • Kimbrough was found guilty in December 2025
  • Kimbrough was sentenced on April 14, 2026

The players

Johnny Cash Kimbrough

A 22-year-old Durango man who was convicted of second-degree murder and witness tampering in the 2023 shooting death of Quentin Mayberry.

Quentin Mayberry

The victim who was shot and killed by Kimbrough in a motel room altercation in 2023.

Hunter Griswold

Kimbrough's on-again, off-again girlfriend who also had a romantic history with the victim, Mayberry.

Judge Nathaniel Baca

The 6th Judicial District judge who sentenced Kimbrough to nearly 45 years in prison.

District Attorney Sean Murray

The prosecutor who argued Kimbrough deliberately shot Mayberry out of jealousy and tried to influence witness testimony.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The whole point of the justice system is to seek the truth. When people are willing to try to get witnesses to say something that they want them to say rather than what actually happened, it can undermine that truth-seeking function and diminish the integrity of the criminal justice system.”

— District Attorney Sean Murray

“They've endured tremendous trauma and loss, and their courageous spirit throughout these proceedings made this outcome possible.”

— District Attorney Sean Murray

What’s next

The sentencing concludes the criminal case against Kimbrough, though the Mayberry family may pursue civil litigation in the future.

The takeaway

This case underscores the gravity of violent crimes and witness tampering in Colorado, where the courts aim to uphold the integrity of the justice system and provide closure for victims' families, even in the face of complex emotional circumstances and conflicting self-defense claims.