17th Judicial DA

Defendant Receives 22-Year Prison Sentence for Westminster Crime Spree That Led to a Woman’s Death


Brighton, CO — Today, 17th Judicial District Attorney Brian Mason is announcing the 22-year prison sentence for Jimmy Lee Cordova, Jr., 32, following his guilty plea on May 6, 2021, to Vehicular Homicide (F3), Leaving the Scene of an Accident (F3), and Robbery (F4). 

On June 9, 2018, Kimberly Ambrose, 51, called the Westminster Police Department to report that her boyfriend, Jimmy Lee Cordova, Jr., was abusing her and attempting to force her out of his vehicle while it was still moving. A responding officer spotted Cordova in a red Jeep Grand Cherokee along Federal Boulevard in Westminster. The officer activated his lights and sirens and Cordova sped off. The officer continued to follow Cordova; however, he lost sight of him during the pursuit.

Moments later, dispatch advised that a rollover accident had occurred on the westbound U.S. 36 onramp from Federal Boulevard, and the red Jeep was on fire. Ambrose died at the scene as a result of the crash. Cordova proceeded to carjack an individual nearby and fled the scene in that person’s vehicle. Officers followed Cordova, and he crashed into a median a short time later. Cordova attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by the responding officers.

“The egregious actions of this defendant caused the tragic death of a mother and grandmother,” said District Attorney Brian Mason. “This is an incalculable loss to her family and to our community.  I hope that this conviction and sentence will bring some measure of closure and justice.” 

“She was such a kindhearted person and there are so many people that are having a hard time dealing with her loss, even three years later,” the children of Kimberly Ambrose wrote in a letter prior to sentencing. “Our mother also has seven grandchildren who ask where grandma is and if she is coming back and some of them will never get to know her because they never got the chance before she was taken.”

Senior Deputy District Attorney Christopher Rossi and Deputy District Attorney Sara Carty led the prosecution of this case.

District Attorney Mason assumed the oath of office on January 12, 2021. The 17th 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 17th Judicial District.
 
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