A Colorado judge has handed down a 96-year prison sentence to a 33-year-old man who fired 59 shots into a bar after being removed from the establishment for fighting, striking a bartender in the neck and endangering multiple patrons.
Jimmy Cazares was convicted in February on multiple charges including two counts of attempted murder, possession of a weapon by a previous offender, and criminal mischief. The sentencing was delivered on Wednesday by Weld County District Court Judge Annette Kundelius.
The incident occurred on November 30, 2024, at Wyler’s Pub and Brew in Greeley, Colorado, located approximately 60 miles northeast of Denver. According to prosecutors, Cazares had been ejected from the bar earlier that evening due to his involvement in a physical altercation.
Approximately 40 minutes after his removal, Cazares returned to the establishment and opened fire from outside the building. The barrage of 59 shots resulted in a bartender suffering multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the neck. Another woman, though not struck by gunfire, sustained injuries from being in the direct path of the shooting.
When law enforcement officers arrived at the scene, they found the injured bartender and began their investigation into the violent attack. The case was prosecuted by the Weld County District Attorney’s Office.
During the sentencing hearing, one of the victims provided emotional testimony about the lasting impact of the attack. The victim stated that their life had been permanently altered by the events of that night, expressing disbelief at having been shot at and revealing a belief that they had briefly died during the incident.
Deputy District Attorney Lacy Wells emphasized the severity of the crime and the fortune that no fatalities occurred. Wells stated that Cazares had targeted two women at a local community establishment and demonstrated a complete disregard for human life. The prosecutor noted that the damage inflicted extended far beyond the physical injuries, with victims facing ongoing mental, emotional, and physical consequences that would persist throughout their lives.
In addition to the charges related to the shooting, Cazares was also found guilty of drug-related offenses. The prosecution had sought a maximum sentence of 134 years in prison for the combined charges.
The case highlights the devastating consequences of gun violence and the long-lasting trauma experienced by victims of such attacks. The 96-year sentence effectively ensures that Cazares will spend the remainder of his life in prison for the violent rampage that endangered numerous innocent people.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a dispute can escalate to deadly violence when firearms are involved. The fact that Cazares returned to the establishment after being removed and then fired nearly 60 rounds into the building demonstrates a premeditated and extremely dangerous response to being ejected from the bar.
The victims and the broader Greeley community continue to process the trauma from this violent incident, while the lengthy prison sentence provides a measure of justice for those affected by Cazares’s actions.
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