Lakewood, Colorado – In a tragic incident last March, Laila Combes was discovered deceased inside a vehicle parked at a restaurant at Colorado Mills. The shocking discovery led to a subsequent investigation that resulted in justice being served with the sentencing of her boyfriend, Cole Lewis, to more than 50 years in prison for her murder.
Lewis had admitted guilt earlier in the year to charges of second-degree murder and second-degree assault in relation to the death of the 19-year-old Combes. A Jefferson County judge handed down a 48-year sentence for the murder charge and an additional nine years for the assault charge, to be served consecutively, according to the 1st Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
The tragic incident unfolded when Combes was found lifeless in Lewis’ vehicle outside a restaurant close to Colorado Mills, where both individuals worked at neighboring establishments. Authorities revealed that Lewis and Combes had a confrontation the day before the incident, leading to a chain of events that culminated in Combes’ untimely demise.
Lewis recounted to law enforcement officials his state of mind on the day in question, detailing a sequence of events that involved a heated dispute, excessive consumption of alcohol, and a subsequent violent outburst that resulted in Combes’s death. The brutal attack left Combes with stab wounds to her face, neck, and chest, as confirmed by the autopsy report.
In the wake of this tragedy, the District Attorney’s Office highlighted resources available for individuals experiencing crisis situations, including Safe2Tell Colorado, a platform for reporting concerns anonymously, and Colorado Crisis Services, a support line for mental health and emotional crises. Additionally, Violence Free Colorado offers assistance to individuals facing domestic violence issues, urging those in need to seek help promptly by dialing 911 or contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
This harrowing case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help and support in times of crisis. As the community mourns the loss of Laila Combes, efforts continue to raise awareness and provide resources to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.