In the early morning hours of October 9, 2016, a decision made by two teenagers in Denver, Colorado, led to a tragic and fatal conclusion. Keylin Mosley, a 15-year-old male, and his 14-year-old friend made their way into the backyard of a home with the intention of stealing a marijuana plant from an illegal grow operation. It was a choice that has been described by Mosley's family as a 'stupid teenage prank,' one that unfortunately placed the boys in a perilous situation.
From a
second-story window of the residence, 49-year-old Keith Hammock opened fire on the two boys in the alley below. The gunshots struck both teenagers, and prosecutors stated that Hammock then went down to the alley to check on them. Tragically, Keylin Mosley succumbed to his injuries and died. His friend, despite being wounded, managed to call 911. The family reported that while on the phone with emergency services, the 14-year-old was shot a second time by Hammock, resulting in paralysis from the waist down.
Following the incident, Keith Hammock was arrested and charged in connection with the shooting. His defense did not fall under Colorado's 'Make My Day' law, as it was determined he was not facing an imminent threat to his safety. In July 2017, a jury convicted Hammock on charges of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault with a deadly weapon, and charges related to the illegal cultivation of marijuana.
In the subsequent sentencing hearing, Hammock maintained his innocence, claiming he was the actual victim and was not the one who fired the shots. Despite his claims, the judge handed down the maximum combined sentence of 80 years in prison for the murder and assault convictions. Keylin Mosley's family, while expressing their forgiveness for Hammock, firmly believes that justice was served. His cousin remembered him as a 'chocolate prince with a chocolate smile' who was quiet, observant, and loving.
