A 16-year-old boy from Colorado is facing charges as an adult after allegedly killing his ex-girlfriend in front of her younger brother. The murder took place after the victim, 15-year-old Lily Silva-Lopez, tried to end their six-month relationship. Jovanni Sirio-Cardona is now being tried in Weld County District Court Division 17 for the shooting death. Prosecutors believe that Sirio-Cardona followed through on a promise he made to take her life after she attempted to break up with him.
On June 16th, just five days before Lily’s birthday, Sirio-Cardona was captured on camera sprinting down the bike path near Lily’s trailer park home in Greeley, a suburb of Denver. He forced himself through her bedroom window and fired multiple shots at her in the hallway. Lily’s 13-year-old brother, who was watching TV in another room, heard her cries for help and managed to escape seconds before the shots were fired. He later told the police that he saw Sirio-Cardona standing over his sister with a gun in hand. The accused teenager allegedly took away the boy’s iPhone to prevent him from calling for help and then asked him to help move Lily’s body before dragging her back into her bedroom.
According to Lily’s mother, domestic violence was a recurring issue in Sirio-Cardona and Lily’s relationship. Last month, he allegedly put a gun barrel into Lily’s mouth when she expressed her desire to break up. Just six days before her murder, police were called to Lily’s home after she reported that Sirio-Cardona had punched her in the face and hurt her arms. Records also indicate that he was seen stalking her house two days before the fatal incident.
Lily, who would have celebrated her 16th birthday on June 21st, had just completed her sophomore year and was working at Wing Shack. Her family described her as a loving and caring friend with a vibrant personality. She enjoyed shopping, makeup, dancing, and had a particular fondness for enchiladas. Lily’s tragic death has left her loved ones devastated.
Sirio-Cardona has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, burglary, aggravated robbery, and juvenile possession of a handgun. A judge has set his bail at $2 million.