On October 9, 2016, Keylin Mosley, 15, and a 14-year-old friend entered the backyard of a Denver home intending to steal a marijuana plant from an illegal grow operation. From a second-story window, 49-year-old Keith Hammock opened fire into the alley below, striking both boys. Keylin died of his wounds; the 14-year-old survived but was shot again while calling 911 and was left paralyzed from the waist down.

Hammock was arrested and tried; a jury convicted him in July 2017 of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault with a deadly weapon, and offenses related to illegal marijuana cultivation. At sentencing the judge imposed the maximum combined term of 80 years. Keylin’s family said they forgave Hammock; a cousin remembered Keylin as a quiet, loving youngster, a chocolate prince with a chocolate smile.