17th Judicial DA
Brighton Office:
1000 Judicial Center Dr, Brighton, CO 80601
303-659-7720
303-835-5522
Broomfield Office:
17 DesCombes Dr, Broomfield, CO 80020
720-887-2199
720-887-2189
Diversion Office:
1000 Judicial Center Drive, Suite 300, Brighton, CO 80601
303-835-5520
303-835-5499
Victim Witness Office:
1100 Judicial Center Drive, Room 205, Brighton, CO 80601
303-659-7735

Defendant Sentenced to 57 Years in Prison for Killing Estranged Wife's Cousin After Learning He Was Not Their Child’s Father

May 18, 2026

Defendant Sentenced to 57 Years in Prison for Killing Estranged Wife's Cousin After Learning He Was Not Their Child’s Father

Brighton, CO -- District Attorney Brian Mason announced today that Kelynn Lewis, 34, has been sentenced to 57 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections for the Second-Degree Murder of 35-year-old Vatrice Little and the Attempted Second-Degree Murder of his estranged wife. 

On February 9, 2024, Lewis’ estranged wife texted him to inform him that he was not the biological father of one of their children. Lewis responded with a threat that he would kill her the next time he saw her. Later that same day, Lewis entered his estranged wife's apartment building, forced his way inside, and went to her bedroom. He pointed a handgun at her and opened fire. Lewis’ estranged wife's cousin, Vatrice Little, stepped between Lewis and her cousin to protect her. Lewis proceeded to shoot five times. Lewis’ estranged wife fell to the floor and pretended to be dead, surviving the shooting unharmed. Her four children, ages 9, 5, 4, and 3, were present during the shooting. Little died as a result of the shooting. Lewis was arrested two days later.  

On February 13, 2026, an Adams County jury found Lewis guilty of Second-Degree Murder (F2), Attempted Second-Degree Murder – Domestic Violence (F3), four counts of Child Abuse Knowingly or Recklessly – No Injury (M2), Tampering with a Victim/Witness (F4), and a Violent Crime Sentence Enhancer for use of a weapon. On May 15, 2026, Adams County District Court Judge Mark Warner sentenced Lewis to 57 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. 

“Vatrice Little died while trying to protect a family member from a vicious and violent attack,” said District Attorney Brian Mason. “Her courage in those final moments was extraordinary, and her loss is devastating. I’m grateful to the Aurora Police Department for their investigation of this case and for my team at the District Attorney’s Office for their work in securing this outcome. My thoughts are with the victim’s family as they continue to heal from this tragedy.” 

Senior Deputy District Attorney Ashley Shelton and Senior Deputy District Attorney Adam Kutniewski prosecuted the case. 

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District Attorney Mason assumed the oath of office on January 12, 2021. The 17 th Judicial District Attorney’s Office endeavors to seek justice on behalf of the citizens of Adams and Broomfield counties in felony and misdemeanor cases. DA Mason and his staff are dedicated to transforming the criminal justice system to better serve the citizens of the 17 th Judicial District.
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