DENVER — An 18-year-old man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to murder in connection with a shooting that took place at a gas station in west Denver. Ronnie Hernandez was just 16 when he fatally shot 29-year-old Manuel Quintana in June 2024.
Hernandez entered his guilty plea to second-degree murder, leading to the dismissal of multiple serious charges. Court records show that five felony charges were dropped, including first-degree murder and attempted murder. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors also dismissed two enhancements related to violent crimes.
The incident occurred on June 8, 2024, when Denver police responded to reports of a shooting in the 500 block of North Sheridan Boulevard. Officers discovered Quintana suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. A woman who was accompanying Quintana at the time of the shooting was also injured but survived.
Authorities identified Hernandez as a suspect through the use of automated license plate readers, in addition to tips from the community. He was charged as an adult due to the severity of the crime.
Also implicated in the case is 29-year-old Simon Eugene Elijah Gurule, who faces similar charges in the upcoming trial. Gurule’s jury trial is set to commence in January 2026. If found guilty of first-degree murder, he could face a life sentence in prison.
The tragic events of that June evening have underscored growing concerns around youth violence and gun crimes in urban areas. Community leaders continue to call for discussions and initiatives aimed at addressing root causes of violence and providing alternatives for young individuals.
In recent years, the city has seen a spike in violent crime that has prompted calls for action from residents and city officials alike, who are advocating for increased resources toward community safety and youth development programs.
The shooting not only affected the victims’ families but also reverberated across the community, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to curb violence among young people.