A Colorado man, angered by his recent breakup, responded in a horrific and violent manner, using his sedan to mow down his ex-girlfriend, her mother, and her sister. This act of violence occurred after the woman ended their three-year relationship. The victims were unloading items from their car at a motel when the attack took place. Manuel Handboy, 39, intentionally struck the three women with his black Acura sedan, sending them flying through the air and causing serious injuries.
The attack took place in 2022, shortly after Handboy’s ex-girlfriend ended their relationship. In the days leading up to the incident, Handboy had taken her phone and threatened to assault her. The woman had sought refuge with her mother at a motel in the Denver area, and on the day of the attack, she and her family had just returned from a shopping trip. As they unloaded their car, Handboy appeared nearby in his vehicle. Without warning, he accelerated toward the group and deliberately hit them. The force of the impact was so strong that it sent the ex-girlfriend and her mother into the air, while the sister, who was sitting in the car, was also struck.
The ex-girlfriend and her sister sustained injuries, but it was their mother who suffered the most severe damage, including a traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures. Surveillance footage of the attack, though too graphic to release to the public, played a key role in securing a conviction. The video showed the terrifying moment when Handboy plowed into the victims, which left a lasting impression on the jury. Prosecutors emphasized the brutality of Handboy’s actions, noting that the victims had no chance to escape.
Handboy was convicted in January 2025 after an eight-day trial. He was found guilty of multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, attempted manslaughter, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and third-degree assault. The prosecution, led by District Attorney Brian Mason, described the attack as an “outrageous” and “depraved” act of violence. Mason, a prosecutor for over 18 years, expressed his shock at the severity of Handboy’s actions, stating that he had never encountered such a blatant and brutal attack.
The trial revealed that Handboy had been spiraling into anger and violence after the breakup, but no one expected him to react in such a lethal manner. The victims were simply going about their day, unaware that the man they had once trusted would turn against them so violently. Prosecutors emphasized the complete lack of warning or provocation before Handboy struck the victims, underscoring the cold-blooded nature of his actions.
The emotional toll of the attack on the victims was immense. The mother’s injuries, particularly the traumatic brain injury, required extensive medical treatment, while the other two victims also faced long recoveries. The case highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence and the lengths some individuals will go to in response to personal rejection.
The conviction of Manuel Handboy brought some measure of justice to the victims, though it could never undo the trauma they experienced. The case stands as a chilling reminder of how quickly anger and resentment can escalate into violence, and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. The victims, who had once trusted Handboy, now have to live with the aftermath of his violent outburst, which forever altered their lives.
In the end, the prosecution’s efforts to bring Handboy to justice were successful, but the emotional scars left on the victims remain. This case serves as a tragic example of how unchecked anger and obsession can lead to unspeakable acts of violence. The jury’s decision to convict Handboy reflects society’s stance against such brutality and serves as a warning to others that there are severe consequences for those who resort to violence in the wake of personal rejection.
