Man Who Fired 59 Shots Into Bar, Injuring Employee, Receives Sentencing

A Colorado judge has handed a 96-year prison sentence to a 33-year-old man for a shooting incident at a bar, where he fired 59 shots, hitting a bartender in the neck, following his ejection from the premises for fighting.

In February, Jimmy Cazares was found guilty of multiple charges, including two counts of attempted murder, illegal possession of a weapon, and criminal mischief, as reported by the Weld County District Attorney’s Office. On Wednesday, Judge Annette Kundelius of the Weld County District Court issued the lengthy sentence.

Authorities in Greeley, located approximately 60 miles northeast of Denver, were dispatched to Wyler’s Pub and Brew on November 30, 2024, following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered a bartender who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, one of which was to the neck. Another woman, though not physically shot, was harmed by being in the direct path of the gunfire, according to prosecutors.

Subsequent investigations revealed that Cazares was expelled from the bar for engaging in a fight. About 40 minutes later, he returned and unleashed a barrage of 59 bullets into the establishment from outside.

During the sentencing hearing on Wednesday, one of the victims recounted, “My life changed forever that night. I never could have imagined I was being shot at. I firmly believe I died for a brief moment.”

Cazares also was found guilty of drug-related charges.

“It’s only by the grace of God that no one was killed that night,” Deputy District Attorney Lacy Wells said. “He gunned down two women at a local, community establishment and clearly has no respect for human life.”

The defendant was facing up to 134 years in prison.

“Damage didn’t stop when the bullets stopped,” Wells said. “These victims of this horrific and senseless crime will live with the mental, emotional and physical damage the rest of their lives.”