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Man charged with first-degree murder in shooting death of 17-year-old girl in Green Valley Ranch

Shamil Jefferson allegedly shot and killed Zalynnda Kassogue

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Shamil Jefferson
Provided by Denver Police
Shamil Jefferson

Shamil Jefferson has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with a shooting that killed a teenager while she sat in her Jeep in Green Valley Ranch.

The shooting happened in the late afternoon on Dec. 21 near East 46th Avenue and Ceylon Court. The teen driver, Zalynnda Kassogue, 17,  was pronounced dead that day. Jefferson was arrested the following day by Denver Police.

According to the arrest affidavit, Jefferson had asked a friend to give him a ride to meet a female, potentially an ex-girlfriend, about a promotion. His friend agreed and said after parking in the neighborhood Jefferson said, “That’s her right there.”

Jefferson then jumped out of the car and began shooting through the driver’s side window of a red Jeep parked on the other side of the road, according to the document.

After firing approximately seven shots into the Jeep, Jefferson turned and looked at his friend, who drove away, phoned police and parked in a nearby liquor store parking lot.

After the shooting and without a ride Jefferson ran toward North Flanders Way in Green Valley Ranch where he was hit by a car. According to the document, a black semi-automatic handgun was found at the scene of the hit-and-run crash.

The affidavit states that another friend said Jefferson had stolen his gun. Jefferson had talked to friends before about getting a gun and shooting his ex-girlfriend and then himself.

Jefferson and his friend stopped at an apartment building near 80th and Grant before the shooting. The friend who drove him said Jefferson left the apartment with clothes and a sling bag that potentially carried the gun.

An advisement hearing for Jefferson is scheduled for Thursday.