A shooting near Denver’s Union Station in late April has resulted in a first-degree murder charge following the victim's death earlier this month. The woman, identified by the Denver District Attorney's Office as 19-year-old Ileana Hernandez, died from her injuries on May 5.
The incident occurred on Monday, April 28, near the RTD’s Chestnut Pavilion in the Union Station neighborhood. Police responded to reports of a shooting in the 1600 block of Chestnut Place late that evening.
Hernandez was transported to a hospital with a gunshot wound. She was initially in serious condition before her death on May 5.
The Denver Police Department arrested 19-year-old Jakiem Whitham in connection with the shooting on Tuesday, April 29. The arrest followed witness statements and collection of video surveillance footage from the area.
Preliminary findings indicate Whitham was involved in an altercation with another person. The dispute escalated, leading to a struggle over a handgun, at which point a shot was fired. Investigators determined Whitham and Hernandez knew each other.
Whitham initially faced charges including attempted first-degree murder and assault. However, the Denver District Attorney's Office upgraded the charge to one count of first-degree murder after Hernandez died.
Whitham appeared in court this week and is being held without bond. He has been assigned a public defender, according to court records. He is scheduled for another court appearance in May.
