Boulder County, Colorado – A Colorado woman has been sentenced to decades behind bars after shooting her former boyfriend multiple times at close range in what prosecutors described as a premeditated attack. The victim survived the ambush despite suffering serious injuries.
The case has drawn attention across the region due to the severity of the violence and the evidence showing the attack had been planned weeks in advance.
Incident Overview
According to the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office, Chance Cardona was returning home from the Colorado Mountain Kava Bar on February 5, 2025, when he was ambushed outside his apartment. As he opened the door to enter, he was shot at point-blank range six times.
Authorities said Cardona sustained gunshot wounds to his face, shoulder, arm, and thigh. Despite the life-threatening injuries, he managed to call 911 for help. Emergency responders transported him to the hospital, where he ultimately survived.
Prosecutors later identified the suspect as Duy Nguyen, Cardona’s ex-girlfriend.
Timeline of Events
Investigators quickly began piecing together evidence following the shooting. Officers recovered shell casings at the scene and reviewed footage from a nearby license plate reader system. The system captured images of a vehicle registered to Nguyen leaving the area shortly after the gunfire.
Police later executed a search warrant at Nguyen’s residence. During the search, they located the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting. Authorities also seized electronic devices that contained messages and digital evidence suggesting the couple had separated months earlier and that Nguyen had allegedly been planning the attack for weeks.
Prosecutors presented this digital trail as proof that the shooting was not spontaneous, but deliberate.
Details from Prosecutors and Court Proceedings
In December 2025, a jury found Nguyen guilty of multiple felony charges, including:
- Attempted second-degree murder
- First-degree assault
- Two crimes of violence sentence enhancers
During sentencing proceedings this week, the judge handed down a significant prison term.
Nguyen was sentenced to 40 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections for the attempted murder conviction. She also received a 20-year sentence for the assault charge. The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently, meaning she will serve the 40-year term as the controlling sentence.
Prosecutors emphasized the severity of the attack and the fact that the victim was shot multiple times at extremely close range.
Key Facts from the Case
- Victim: Chance Cardona
- Suspect: Duy Nguyen
- Date of shooting: February 5, 2025
- Location: Boulder County, Colorado
- Shots fired: Six
- Convictions: Attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, crimes of violence
- Sentence: 40 years in prison (concurrent with 20-year assault sentence)
Additional Context on Domestic Violence and Premeditated Attacks
Cases involving former intimate partners often raise concerns about escalating conflict following separation. Law enforcement agencies nationwide continue to warn that breakups can be high-risk periods, particularly when there is evidence of stalking, threats, or obsessive behavior.
In this case, investigators indicated that electronic evidence showed the relationship had ended months earlier and that the shooting had allegedly been planned in advance. Planning elements in violent crimes often lead to harsher sentences because they demonstrate intent rather than impulsive behavior.
Domestic violence advocates encourage individuals leaving volatile relationships to document threatening behavior, inform trusted friends or family members, and consider safety planning measures.
Public Safety Awareness
Authorities urge anyone experiencing harassment, stalking, or threats from a former partner to seek help immediately. Warning signs can include persistent unwanted communication, monitoring movements, or escalating hostility.
Community members are encouraged to report suspicious behavior to law enforcement before it escalates into violence. Early intervention can play a crucial role in preventing tragedies.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Duy Nguyen marks the final chapter in a violent case that could have ended in tragedy. Despite being shot six times at close range, Chance Cardona survived, and a jury ultimately held the shooter accountable. With a 40-year prison sentence, the court delivered a strong message regarding the consequences of premeditated violent acts.
If you or someone you know is facing threats from a former partner, seek help and prioritize safety. Share your experiences in the comments below.
