GREELEY, COLORADO: In a shocking incident that has left the community in grief, a 16-year-old Colorado boy has been charged with the murder of his 15-year-old girlfriend, Lily Silva Lopez. The tragedy unfolded when Lopez decided to end their six-month relationship, leading to a devastating outcome that left her friends, family, and neighbors in disbelief.
Jovanni Sirio-Cardona, now facing charges as an adult, allegedly broke into Lopez's home on June 16 at approximately 3.45 pm. According to reports from the 19th Judicial District Attorney's Office in Weld County, Sirio-Cardona gained access by climbing through Lopez's bedroom window. He proceeded to shoot her seven times in a horrifying act of violence.
Tragic murder of teen girl rocks Colorado community
After committing the heinous act, Sirio-Cardona forced Lopez's 13-year-old brother to help him move her lifeless body to another room. He also confiscated the brother's iPhone, preventing him from seeking immediate assistance. The suspect is now facing charges of murder, burglary, aggravated robbery, and possession of a handgun by a juvenile.
According to records and news reports, Lopez was shot in a hallway and later dragged back into her room. Her brother, who witnessed the tragedy, pleaded with Sirio-Cardona not to harm him and was fortunately spared before the assailant fled the scene. The young boy, traumatized by the incident, sought refuge at a neighbor's house, where Antoinette Martinez immediately called emergency services.
Martinez expressed her profound sadness, stating, "It's sad. That makes me sad because I don't know why someone would do something so awful." The entire community shares her sentiment, struggling to comprehend the senseless violence that has shattered the lives of those involved. Adding to the tragedy is the revelation that there had been previous incidents of domestic violence during Lopez's relationship with Sirio-Cardona. Weeks before the fatal shooting, the Greeley Police Department responded to a domestic violence dispute at Lopez's home, where she accused her boyfriend of physically assaulting her.
When officers confronted Sirio-Cardona at his home, his response was chilling. When asked about the reason for their presence, he reportedly stated, "He did what he had to do and shot someone," a statement that only deepens the shock and disbelief surrounding this tragic event.
Who was Lily Silva Lopez?
As the community mourns the loss of Lopez, her family has issued a heartfelt statement honoring her memory. Describing her as an "awesome person," they highlighted, "Lily was an ambitious young girl. She just completed her sophomore year she was so excited to learn how to drive this summer," they said, as per Fox News.
"Lily was full of life she enjoyed makeup, shopping, and hanging out with her family and best friend. Lily was very hardworking and enjoyed working at wingshack, she loved and cared for all her coworkers and managers. Lily will be missed by many. Lily will continue to live in our hearts and she will always be our guardian angel. Lily will always be remembered as a loving, bright happy girl." Sirio-Cardona is set to appear in court on August 3rd for a status conference and his bond has been set at $2 million.
