Who is Debisa Ephraim? Northern Colorado Sheriff Warns Public After Release of ‘Dangerous’ Inmate

Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams raised alarm after being forced to release Debisa Ephraim, a 21-year-old refugee from Tanzania, despite his record of violent assaults. Ephraim had been arrested in April on suspicion of attempted second-degree murder, assault, burglary, and menacing, but was later declared incompetent to stand trial.

The decision to free him came under Colorado House Bill 24-1034, which requires that those deemed unfit for trial must be placed in mental health care rather than jail. Sheriff Reams called the ruling “a crisis,” warning that Ephraim could reoffend.

Who is Debisa Ephraim?

Debisa Ephraim, 21, is a Tanzanian refugee who has lived in Northern Colorado. According to Sheriff Reams, he was involved in two brutal public attacks earlier this year.

On April 5, 2025, Ephraim was arrested by Greeley Police on charges including attempted second-degree murder, criminal assault, and a misdemeanor. Later, on April 23, he faced additional charges of first-degree burglary and menacing.

However, psychiatrists later determined that he was mentally incompetent to stand trial, which forced the courts to release him. Sheriff Reams expressed frustration, saying the law now puts “very dangerous individuals back on the streets.”

Violent Attacks Caught on Camera

The Weld County Sheriff’s Office also shared video clips of Ephraim’s assaults on X (formerly Twitter). In the footage, Ephraim appears to knock out two men in separate incidents—one in Fort Collins and another in Greeley. Even after the victims collapsed, Ephraim continued to punch them.

“These attacks show the risk he poses to the community,” the sheriff’s statement read. “The public deserves to know so they can protect themselves accordingly.”

Why Was He Released?

Under Colorado HB24-1034, when a suspect is declared unfit for trial, they must be transferred into mental health programs instead of remaining in custody. This law is intended to ensure treatment but has faced criticism for releasing violent offenders prematurely.

Sheriff Reams voiced concern that Ephraim’s case is a “latest example” of how the law could endanger the public.

FAQs

Who is Debisa Ephraim?
Debisa Ephraim, 21, is a refugee from Tanzania accused of violent assaults in Northern Colorado.

Why was he released?
He was freed because he was ruled incompetent to stand trial under Colorado law.

What crimes was he accused of?
Attempted second-degree murder, assault, burglary, and menacing.

Did he kill anyone?
No. He was accused of attempted murder, but no deaths were reported.