Colorado Family Mourns as 15-Year-Old Girl is Allegedly Murdered by Ex-Boyfriend on Eve of 16th Birthday

A heartbreaking tragedy has struck a Colorado family as they mourn the loss of 15-year-old Lily Silva-Lopez, who was allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend just days before her 16th birthday.

Charged with first-degree murder, Jovanni Sirio-Cardona, 16, will be tried as an adult, as announced by the Weld County District Attorney. 

The incident unfolded on June 16 when authorities responded to a shooting report at a trailer home in Greeley. 

Upon arrival, they discovered Silva-Lopez's lifeless body, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds and bleeding out, according to a press release from the district attorney's office.

Investigations suggest that Sirio-Cardona forcibly entered his ex-girlfriend's home through a bedroom window and shot Silva-Lopez multiple times. 

The Suspect, Jovanni Sirio-Cardona

A neighbor recounted hearing numerous gunshots, prompting them to seek shelter at the back of their own house. 

The arrest affidavit obtained by Denver7 revealed that Silva-Lopez's 13-year-old brother was in a separate room watching television when he heard shots fired. 

In response, Silva-Lopez shouted for her brother to run. The boy witnessed Sirio-Cardona standing over his sister's lifeless body, blood dripping from the suspect's nose.

After the shooting, Sirio-Cardona allegedly returned home, took a shower, and changed his clothes. 

When questioned by his grandmother about his whereabouts, the 16-year-old purportedly confessed that he had done what he had to do and shot someone. 

The Victim, Lily Silva-Lopez,

Family members shared with investigators that Silva-Lopez had attempted to end her relationship with Sirio-Cardona four weeks prior to the fatal incident. 

Apparently dissatisfied with her decision, Sirio-Cardona allegedly resorted to threatening her with a gun, pressing the barrel against her mouth and demanding she profess her love for him.

A prior domestic violence complaint was filed on June 10, when Greeley police responded to the Silva-Lopez home. According to reports, the 15-year-old girl disclosed that Sirio-Cardona had punched her in the face. 

Silva-Lopez's obituary reveals that she was eagerly looking forward to celebrating her 16th birthday on June 21. 

She had recently completed her sophomore year at Northridge High School and worked at a local establishment called Wing Shack. 

Described as someone who loved shopping, fashion, makeup, and dancing, Silva-Lopez was also known for her fondness for food, particularly enchiladas. 

Her obituary fondly portrays her as a caring and lively friend.

In addition to the murder charge, Sirio-Cardona faces charges of burglary, aggravated robbery, and possession of a handgun as a juvenile. 

A bond of $2 million has been set, and he is scheduled to appear in court for a status hearing on August 3. 

At this time, he has not entered a plea.

Source - Law And Crime