32 Years For Denver Man Who Fatally Shot New Neighbor

DENVER, CO -- A man found guilty of fatally shooting his new Loretto Heights neighbor and wounding the neighbor's wife on New Year's Day, 2017 was sentenced Monday in Denver to 32 years in prison.

Aaron Espinosa, 26, pleaded guilty in February to one count of second-degree murder in the "heat of passion." He was originally charged with first degree murder, a statement from the Denver District Attorney's office said.

After a drunken altercation, Espinosa shot 35-year-old Hugo Ramirez on the doorstep of the victim’s new apartment at 3400 S. Lowell Boulevard. Friends were helping Ramirez and his wife move into their new apartment around 11 p.m. when Espinosa, who lived across the hallway, began arguing with the group. He ran back into his apartment and reappeared with a rifle, according to an arrest affidavit. Then he shot Ramirez three times in the chest. Espinosa also fired at Mrs. Ramirez, injuring her.

The couple were taken to a local hospital where Mr. Ramirez died, the arrest affidavit said. Espinosa was taken into custody and charged with murder.

Image Aaron Espinosa via Denver District Attorney