A 44-Year-Old Grandmother Shot Dead by Boyfriend While Watching TV With Toddler Grandson

Karol Bedoya, 44, was shot dead on her couch as she watched TV with her grandson

A 44-year-old grandmother was shot and killed while watching television with her two-year-old grandson after her longtime boyfriend entered her home and opened fire. The incident occurred on February 4, 2023, in Denver.

The victim, Karol Bedoya, was sitting on the couch next to her grandson when her boyfriend of ten years, Clemente Flores-Hernandez, 45, shot her four times at close range. Her adult son, Miguel Bedoya, was in the basement at the time and rushed upstairs after hearing the gunshots. Upon reaching the scene, he was confronted by the armed suspect, who fired multiple shots at him but missed. A struggle ensued, during which Miguel was nearly strangled before Flores-Hernandez released him.

Clemente Flores-Hernandez, 45, shot her four times at close range seconds after entering the home in Denver

Following the attack, Flores-Hernandez grabbed the toddler and fled. Miguel pursued him and alerted authorities while keeping him in sight. The suspect led police on a high-speed chase along I-70 until law enforcement deployed spike strips, disabling his vehicle. He was arrested in Strasburg, approximately 30 miles east of Denver, and the child was rescued unharmed.

Originally charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, first-degree kidnapping, and child abuse, Flores-Hernandez later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and first-degree assault. He received a 60-year prison sentence, with 48 years for the murder and 12 years for the assault, to be served consecutively.

Bedoya's adult son Miguel Bedoya (pictured) heard the shots and rushed upstairs in a panic about 8pm, only to be confronted by the still-armed murderer

Family members revealed that Bedoya had been attempting to leave the relationship. Her brother-in-law, Rodrigo Anguiano, stated that she had kept her struggles private but appeared distressed in the months leading up to the incident. A week before the attack, she confided in relatives that she was unhappy and wanted Flores-Hernandez out of her life.

Denver District Attorney John Walsh acknowledged the devastating impact of domestic violence, extending condolences to Bedoya’s loved ones. He expressed hope that the sentencing would provide some measure of justice for her grieving family and friends.