Aurora man gets 400 years for murdering wife, leading violent chase

An Aurora man will assuredly spend the rest of his life in prison after being sentenced Tuesday to 400 years for killing his wife and then shooting at bystanders during a pursuit in September 2016.

James Anthony Draper, 35, was sentenced as a habitual offender because of his prior criminal record, according to a news release from the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Draper was convicted of second-degree murder for fatally shooting Ashley Draper in the head and torso on Sept. 9.

Two days later, Draper carjacked a Yukon on East Colfax Avenue in Aurora and reportedly fired shots at bystanders as he drove by. When officers responded, Draper threatened them with the gun.

He ultimately crashed near Akron Street and he was taken into custody. That’s when police found the gun used to kill Ashley.

“This was a one-man crime wave, and had been so for fifteen years,” District Attorney George Brauchler said.

Draper had a lengthy history of criminal charges, including unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of controlled substance, burglary, and assault.