Ryan Gerald Redifer, a 55-year-old Caucasian male, was the victim of a violent crime on January 12, 2018, that ultimately led to his death months later. On that day, Redifer was shot as he was entering his home in Paonia, Colorado. The shooting left him with critical injuries that necessitated a lengthy hospitalization. For nearly nine months, he fought to recover, enduring a period where he was unable to eat or perform basic functions on his own.
Despite his efforts to overcome his injuries, his health took a turn for the worse.
After a long and arduous battle, Ryan Redifer passed away on September 1, 2018, in Grand Junction, Colorado, as a direct result of the injuries he sustained in the January shooting. His passing was a profound loss to his family and the Paonia community. Even in his final moments, his generous spirit was evident as one of his kidneys was donated to save another person's life.
The investigation into the shooting led to the identification and arrest of a suspect. In March 2020, after a trial and about six hours of jury deliberation, Heather Jones was found guilty of second-degree murder for her role in Redifer's death. She was subsequently sentenced to 24 years in prison for the crime. The conviction brought a measure of justice to a case that had tragically cut short the life of a man known for his kindness and willingness to help others.
