Greeley teen pleads guilty in death of 2-year-old cousin | Crime

Today in Weld County District Court, Jesus Cornelio, (DOB 6/1/94) pleaded guilty to one

count of child abuse resulting in death, a class-two felony.

Under the terms of the plea, Cornelio is expected to receive a suspended sentence of 18 years in the Department

of Corrections, which is contingent on his successful completion of 6 years in the Youth Offender System.

According to police and court records, Cornelio, of Greeley, told investigators that he struck and shook his 2-

year-old cousin on March 22 after the toddler tried to grab his cell phone. Jose Cornelio-Espinoza died two days

after the incident.

District Attorney Ken Buck decided to direct-file the charge against Cornelio, who was 17 at the time of the

child’s death, as an adult. That decision opened up the possibility of placing Cornelio within the Youth

Offender System, which has a proven record of rehabilitating young offenders.

“This case is certainly a tragedy for Jose and his entire family,” Buck said. “It also serves as an example of how

filing adult charges against certain young offenders can result in sentencing options that are more appropriate

and have greater chances of rehabilitation.”

Cornelio is scheduled to be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. on July 18.

Deputy District Attorney Ben Whitney prosecuted the case.

Press Release