COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — A tragic incident unfolded late Monday when 16-year-old Envy Reinhardt was fatally shot while sitting in a vehicle with friends, prompting a swift investigation by local authorities. Commerce City police have since apprehended a fellow teenager, also 16, on a manslaughter charge connected to the incident.
The shooting took place near the intersection of Tichy Boulevard and Kearney Street, where Reinhardt and three other teens were gathered in an SUV. In the chaotic aftermath, two individuals fled, including the suspected shooter, while the driver immediately transported Reinhardt to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Envy’s mother, Joy Herrera, recounted the devastating phone call from the hospital—an unexpected and shattering moment. “I expected to hear my son’s voice, and instead I found out he was gone,” she expressed.
The circumstances leading to the teen obtaining the firearm remain unclear and the weapon has yet to be recovered. Authorities indicated that all the teens involved knew each other, suggesting familiarity among them.
Ray Reinhardt, Envy’s father, appealed for honesty from the individual responsible. “All we want is the guy to say the truth. If it was an accident, acknowledge it,” he urged. The family described Reinhardt as not only kindhearted and artistic but also an enterprising spirit who initiated a photo booth business at age 12. An exceptional athlete, he had dreams far larger than his hometown, with aspirations to travel the world, including planned trips to Peru and Dubai.
Highlighting the unique significance of his name, Herrera shared, “We wanted a name that made him stand out, that reflected the dreams we had for him.” On the day of his birth, they believed that he would be the envy of other parents.
As the community grapples with the tragic event, concerns regarding youth and gun possession have come to the forefront. Joanna Small, the public information officer for the Commerce City Police Department, emphasized the ongoing concerns about juveniles with guns, remarking, “Any death of a teenager is troubling, but this incident underscores the critical issue of firearm access among youth.”
Originally facing charges of second-degree murder, the teen accused of the shooting now faces a manslaughter charge, a decision which has been met with mixed feelings by Reinhardt’s family. However, they expressed their intent to respect the investigative process.
In her profound grief, Herrera disclosed the difficulty in confronting the reality of her loss. “It still doesn’t seem real, I’m afraid of when it will truly hit me,” she confided. As the family mourns, they continue to receive condolences and support from the community. They hope their tragic loss will raise awareness on the importance of gun safety in households.
Meanwhile, the pain is particularly palpable for Reinhardt’s younger brother, who is still unaware of the full extent of the tragedy. “It’s going to be devastating to have that conversation with him,” Reinhardt remarked on the imminent challenge of explaining Envy’s absence.
As the investigation continues, Commerce City police are diligently working to trace the origin of the firearm, an element that remains a crucial piece in solving this heartbreaking puzzle. The community and the Reinhardt family await answers, hoping for some solace amidst their profound loss.