Isabella Joy Thallas, a 21-year-old female, was a vibrant and compassionate person with a passion for fashion and a deep love for her family and friends. Those who knew her described her as a bright light, full of laughter and kindness, who always sought to help others. She was pursuing a degree in finance at Metropolitan State University of Denver and had a promising future ahead of her.
On the tragic day of June 10, 2020, Isabella, affectionately known as Bella, was enjoying a walk
with her boyfriend, Darian Simon, and their dog in Denver's Ballpark neighborhood. In a sudden and senseless act of violence, a man named Michael Close opened fire on the couple from his apartment window. The catalyst for this horrific event was reportedly an argument over their dog relieving itself outside his apartment. Close fired multiple shots, fatally wounding Bella and severely injuring her boyfriend.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Michael Close was apprehended by the police. The investigation revealed that the weapon used in the attack was an AK-47 that belonged to a friend of Close who was a Denver police officer. In 2022, a jury found Michael Close guilty of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and assault. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, in addition to a 48-year sentence for the attempted murder of Darian Simon.
The profound loss of Isabella spurred her mother, Ana Thallas, to become a vocal advocate against gun violence. Her efforts contributed to the passage of the Isabella Joy Thallas Act in Colorado, which mandates that gun owners report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement within five days of their discovery. In her memory, a park in Denver has been lovingly named 'Bella Joy Gardens,' a place intended to provide solace and a space for healing for other families affected by violence.
