Althea McDaniels, a 37-year-old woman, was in the midst of packing up her family's life in their southwest Denver home, preparing for a move to Mississippi, when their plans were tragically cut short on the evening of May 23, 2019. Alongside her husband, 48-year-old Joseph McDaniels, and their 11-year-old daughter Christine, Althea was shot and killed in what should have been a time of hopeful transition.
The couple's 9-year-old son was the sole survivor of the immediate family, having managed to escape the house and run to a neighbor for help.
The horrific event unfolded when a family acquaintance, 59-year-old Bustaman Kartabrata, arrived at their home on South Golden Way. Kartabrata was the husband of Joseph McDaniels' mother. According to the surviving son's account, Kartabrata was present in the home when he suddenly began shooting. In the ensuing chaos, the young boy fled the residence to summon aid, while his maternal grandmother, who also lived in the home, was forced to jump from a second-story window to save her own life.
Bustaman Kartabrata was quickly identified as the suspect and was taken into custody by the Denver Police Department. He was subsequently charged with three counts of first-degree murder. In April of 2022, following a trial where the harrowing details of that night were brought to light, a jury found Bustaman Kartabrata guilty of the murders of Althea, Joseph, and Christine McDaniels. The motive for the devastating act was not publicly released by investigators. Althea was remembered as a loving mother and a dedicated professional with a background in the hospitality industry.
