Susan Becker, 20, graduated from Boulder High School in 1979. . Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. All Feedback is considered confidential and will never appear on any public web sites. There were cords around her right wrist and neck and she was wearing her favorite "And I don't know if closing the case without any answer is closure either.". ['_setCustomVar', 4, 'ga_page_type', 'path'], Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the El Paso County Sheriffs Office. Any member of Colorado law enforcement that would like access to the ViCAP Program should contact Investigative AnalystAudrey Simkins who acts as the state Law Enforcement Manager and ViCAPLiaison for agencies in Colorado. Her body was found in Boulder Canyon on July 1, 1982. Joe Kenda told reporters he believed the case would be solved relatively soon. While much has changed, that belief has not. As the months passed and leads faded, the cases went cold. var _gaq = _gaq || []; Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. and help keep the future of Westword, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. The answer to how Barker ended up in the post's sewage treatment center has eluded a revolving door of Army investigators since the grisly discovery on Feb. 21, 2006. The Families of Homicide Victims and Missing Persons uses public and private cooperation to seek justice for their loved ones, taken too soon, with no conviction or resolution for their loss. What will the weather, Crews knock down small camp fire near Standford Street, Heavy police presence for OIS investigation in East, HSPPR considers dangerous animal ordinance, Officer Becerra honored with commemorative dog-tags, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Colorado has a backlog of 1,750 unsolved murders dating back to 1970. Metro Denver Crime Stoppers is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization relying solely on your contributions, without any taxpayer or government funding. Unfortunately, it's far from uncommon for Denver homicides to go unsolved. The Violent and Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP) was created in 1985. On November 9, 1997, Colorado Springs Police Department dispatch received a call regarding a man lying in the alley, possibly intoxicated. Thus the Cold Case Review Team was created. Photo Courtesy: Colorado Bureau of Investigation. She worked at the Good Earth store at 18th & Pearl in Boulder and was learning about herbs. The U.S. murder rate jumped by Cruz-Rodgers wouldnt say if any of those men are still considered suspects or if they have any new ones. Its been 35 years since Cassanda Rundle and her two children were murdered, but for those who remember the case, the trauma still remains. We are proud of the work we do. His friends recalled seeing him sleeping in a bed the following morning while they left for physical training. Jaime Albert Villarreal, 23, Killed March 18, 2016. ['_setCustomVar', 3, 'ga_app_name', 'Cold Case Files'], Using genetic genealogy and familial DNA, police in Colorado have solved the decades-old cases of the deaths of four females, saying the killer was a man who She lived in Boulder but had been staying with a friend. Authorities have used DNA to link prisoner Alexander Christopher Ewing, 57, to four cold case murders in Colorado. After 41 years and a false confession, a Colorado womans true killer is found guilty of murder. Denver Police Solve Four Related Cold Case Homicides That Occurred Between 1978 and 1981. Get to know all 17 Denver mayor candidates , Man gets life in killings of 2 women outside Breckenridge in 1982, Jury finds Steve Pankey guilty of 1984 kidnapping, murder of Jonelle Matthews, Judge sentences killer to life for 1981 murder in Cherry Hills Village: You will never breathe another free breath, Trial begins in case of missing California college student Kristin Smart, After 41 years and a false confession, a Colorado womans true killer is found guilty of murder, Windy Point Jane Doe identified as missing Washington woman decades later, sheriff says, Gov. Investigators say Jo Anne Harris was last seen alive at the Ivy Wild Inn, 1529 South Nevada Avenue, on October 13, 1969. Each year we contact local law enforcement regarding cases that may now meet the 3 year requirement. DNA has been given a lot of credit in some recently solved cold cases, but Cruz-Rodgers said witnesses are just as important. A Colorado man has been arrested in connection with the unsolved murders of two women who were found dead in 1982, authorities said. The hope with this program is to generate interest in these old cases and remind their loved ones that these cases are not forgotten. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. Barker was last seen being led from the barracks "to a dark colored vehicle." Please send photo and short letter., The second ad, placed about a month later, said, Warm, together, bright, beautiful and modest lady seeking friendship with a gentleman of quality and character, 30-40 years old.. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. . ['_setCustomVar', 1, 'ga_channel', 'CBPS'], In 2009, The CBI began looking at ways to do more to investigate Cold Cases in Colorado. Last year, investigators uncovered new information using genetic genealogy to identify a potential suspect in the cases. April 26, 2013 "But my time is running out.". CSPD considers a ['b._trackPageview'] Even with the case classified as "closed," investigators will continue to "periodically" review Barker's case file, and special agents will pursue any new tips, Grey said. Her brother, David, remembers she had a good sense of humor, enjoyed the mountains and liked cats. On April 6, 2007, 25-year-old Jessica Rose Bejarano was found dead in her home. There are thousands of unsolved homicide cases, long-term missing person cases, and unidentified remains cases in Colorado where at least three years have October 21, 2016 Analyst Simkins cane be reached at 303-239-5764or audrey.simkins@state.co.us. Have Thoughts About the Denver Moves Everyone Plan? When we think of murders across the states history, the first things that come to mind are now-notorious names of Everybody was a suspect until they werent, said Cruz-Rodgers. Lastly, a few unsolved murders in Arapahoe County, Colorado, include the 1988 murder of John Cliborn, the 1995 murder of Jennifer Sue Larsen, the 1980 murder of Stephanie Ann Bauman, the 1990 murder of Gary Donald Johnson, and the 1970 murder of Marilee Burt, among countless others. As of this year, there are roughly 1,700 Colorado cold cases. Alan Lee Phillips, 70, of Dumont, Colorado, was taken into custody without incident in Clear Creek County on Feb. 24 and is currently being held at the Park County Jail in the town of Fairplay, about 90 miles southwest of Denver. Here are six of the most vexing murder mysteries of all time: 1. Miss Becker had worked as a packager at the Pearl Street Market. Nevada Department of Phillips faces two counts each of first-degree kidnapping, assault and homicide. "It's extremely challenging," Grey said. Barker visited the post often after being discharged from the Army in 2005 -- relishing the chance to spend time with friends who could relate to his 2003 deployment to Iraq with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Any member of Colorado law enforcement that would like access to the ViCAP Program should contact Investigative AnalystAudrey Simkins who acts as the state Law Enforcement Manager and ViCAPLiaison for agencies in Colorado. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The potential suitors, now suspects, were all investigated by police. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is dedicated to bringing justice to the victims of unsolved homicides, long-term missing persons, unidentified remains and their families. Police at the time said between the two ads, Rundle received responses from 85 different men. ['_setCustomVar', 2, 'ga_engagement_type', 'CBI'], Upon further investigation, the officers discovered Dobbins had been stabbed to death. DONATE TODAY > and help keep the future of Westword, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our, Families of Homicide Victims and Missing Persons. What will the weather, Crews knock down small camp fire near Standford Street, Heavy police presence for OIS investigation in East, HSPPR considers dangerous animal ordinance, Officer Becerra honored with commemorative dog-tags, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Denver's independent source of Park County Sheriff Tom McGrath announced the arrest on Wednesday. They went through a lot of different people, a lot of people with different relationships with the family and the children and Cassandra, and so everybody was looked at as a suspect at the time, said Cruz-Rodgers. A Denver Police Department photo of the house at 1625 Bruce Randolph where 61-year-old Abdul Muhammad was killed. those who may know the truth are not.". Medical examiners found cocaine in his system, Grey said, but were unable to determine the cause and manner of death. If you have any information about this case, youre asked to contact the Colorado Springs Police Department. The horrific crime made the front page of the Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph for days, and few grisly details were spared. ['b._linkByPost'], local news and culture, Michael Roberts Become a member to support the independent voice of Denver This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. WebThe Colorado Cold Case Database features unsolved homicides, missing person, and unidentified person cases to assist law enforcement agencies in the development of information, which can lead to the identification, and arrest of any person (s) who may have committed any crime described on this page. "Their voices may now be silent . The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office and Colorado Bureau of Investigation The autopsy revealed Mr. Romisch had been shot multiple times. If you have information on any of the persons, or cases found on this page, you are encouraged to contact CBI or the investigating agency. Several months after the Colorado murders, Ewing entered a home in Kingman, Arizona, through an open door and attacked a man nearly to death with a 20-pound boulder, The Post reported. independent local journalism in Denver. But without a reward, Carlock said people won't have incentive to phone in tips. However, she did say she has hope this case can still be solved. 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It was extremely traumatic for the city, said Rachel Cruz-Rodgers, a detective in the Cold Case Unit for the Colorado Springs Police Department. It was not immediately clear whether he has obtained legal representation. A family photo of the late Rachel Aboytes, aka Baby Smiley. Most cases featuredemographics of the victim as well as a photograph. In late 2011, the Army raised its reward from $10,000 to $15,000 -- upping the incentive for tips while issuing a promise. D. 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Agencies are strongly encouraged to enter all unresolved cold cases. Currently, there are 93 unsolved homicides in Colorado Springs. Jared Polis agrees to review petition seeking outside DNA testing in JonBent Ramsey case, Bone Deep, The Cartographers and more mystery books to read in April, Evil is locked away: Alex Ewing receives fourth life sentence tied to 1984 Hammer Killer spree, Alex Ewing guilty in 1984 Hammer Killer murder of Patricia Smith, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Am a one-man woman looking for one good man. Cold Case/ViCAP Criminal Intelligence Analyst Theyre so young. Jennifer Larsen. Colorado has seen its share of horrible crimes. ['_trackPageview'], Share Them by March 3, Celebrate the 303: From Crocs to Cannabis, Colorado Has Your Number, Jefferson County Finds Itself Up a Tree Over Controversial Forest-Thinning Practices, Impending Bill Digs Into Problems With Colorado's Environmental Permitting Process, Reader: Give the People Living in Tents Slightly Sturdier Tents? those who may know the truth are not.". Following comprehensive investigative work, authorities obtained arrest warrants for Phillips in February, according to the Park County Sheriff's Office. This allows members of law enforcement to search this program for similar cases across jurisdictional and statewide boundaries. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Family members cannot request a presentation directly to the Review Team. "There has been no closure," Carlock said. Our national unresolved homicides database is used by family and law enforcement to gain new insights and information into unsolved murders and abductions. Rising crime rates have become a central focus in major metropolitan areas including New York City, Philadelphia and Chicago. WebUNSOLVED CASES. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. ['b._link'], Arrest in Colorado hitchhiker murders Alan Lee Phillips is pictured sometime around 1982. ['_setAllowLinker', true], Back in 1985 just days after the murders, Sgt. An obituary written at the time of his death says Romisch was born in Grand Junction on July 4th, 1955. "We are confident that someone out there knows something about the death of Mr. Barker and we are not resting or giving up until we determined exactly what transpired," said Christopher Vitatoe, an Army investigator, in a 2011 news release. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play. The Cold Case Task Force is a Board under the Colorado Department of Public Safety. "You've got a very badly decomposed bodythe variables that could have happen to this young man, there's quite a few of them." Police say sometime early on February 14, 1985, 37-year-old Rundle, along with her 12-year-old son Detriecht Sturm and her 10-year-old daughter Melanie Sturm, were killed inside their Ivyild neighborhood home. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play. Jefferson County Finds Itself Up a Tree Over Controversial Forest-Thinning Practices, Celebrate the 303: From Crocs to Cannabis, Colorado Has Your Number, A glossary of kink terms you didn't want to know but now will, No Liberal Tears: We Build the Wall's Colorado Conspirator Sentencing PostponedAgain, Dominion Has the Cure for Foxitis: $1.6 Billion Defamation Lawsuit, Have Thoughts About the Denver Moves Everyone Plan? Denver's independent source of WebJonBenet Ramsey was found dead in the basement of her family's home on December 26, 1996. Generally with cold cases some of our biggest challenges is time, but that can also be one of our biggest benefits, she said. Officers also looked at Rundles ex-husband, who found the crime scene, as well as her first husband, who lived in Ohio at the time. When officers arrived they found Michael Dobbins laying in the alley between the Economy Inn and a tire company in the 1200 block of South Nevada Avenue. WebWe are proud of the work we do. Francis G. Romisch, a 19-year-old Fort Carson soldier, was found on June 17, 1975, along Highway 115. Commander Brian Rosipajala 303-665-5506 x 4140. Become a member to support the independent voice of Denver "And now I feel seven years later, that it was for nothing." Share Them by March 3. Just because its 35 years later, to us, theres no difference in the investigation, said Cruz-Rodgers. ['b._setAllowHash', false], . Like many things, technology has changed a lot over the last 35 years, which Cruz-Rodgers said is another advantage. DNA is a huge piece in our investigations currently, so when we reanalyze a case, well re-go through the evidence to see if something might be beneficial for DNA or fingerprint testing that maybe it wasnt back in the day, she said. The Cold Case Database contains most of the unresolved homicide cases, long-term missing person cases and unidentified remains cases in our state where 3 years have passed since the crime occurred dating back to 1970. Share Them by March 3. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Colorado Springs Police Department. Famous Murders and Serial Killers in Colorado History Alferd Packer: Murderer and Cannibal. WebAccording to Project: Cold Case, there are around 2,931 unsolved murders in Colorado dating from 1980 to 2019. < FOX21s Abbie Burke went to the Pikes Peak Library Districts Penrose Library to dig up old articles about the incident. Alan Lee Phillips, 70, of Dumont, Colorado, was taken into custody without incident in Clear Creek County on Feb. 24 and is currently being held at the Park County As the investigation continues agencies should update the existing ViCAP entry to include the most recent updates. This team meets 2 to 4 times a year. ['_linkByPost'], This undated image released by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation shows Barbara "Bobbi" Jo Oberholtzer, who was found dead on the summit of Hoosier Pass, about 10 miles south of Breckenridge, Colo., on Jan. 7, 1982. . Rising crime rates have become a central focus in major metropolitan areas including New York City, Philadelphia and Chicago. Colorado has seen its share of horrible crimes. Phone: 303-239-5764 18 people remain unidentified in Denver since 1970 Who killed Jessica Rose Bejarano? The crime shocked the quiet neighborhood, and everyone wanted answers. The last time Susan was seen alive was on June 19, 1982. Valentines Day triple murder still unsolved, 35 years later Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. Specifically, homicides, sexual assaults, missing persons and unidentified remains cases. It was a pretty brutal murder for each one of them, said Cruz-Rodgers. This program allows the CBI to collaborate with local law enforcement agencies in our state to bring awareness to these unresolved cases. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. This can also be referred to as modus operandi. Go To National Homicides Registration Page Since 2001 FOHVAMP has advocated for the families of cold case homicide victims and persons missing under suspicious circumstances in Colorado. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. The program allows us to customize a traditional deck of playing cards so that each card features a different case. The CBI wanted to provide additional tools to investigating agencies which provided guidance but allowed the heart of the investigation to remain with the local agency. The purpose of this program is to analyze serial violent offenses and sexual crimes. Ten unsolved Colorado murders: Read personal stories of the victims Michael Roberts April 26, 2013 7:50AM The Families of Homicide Victims and Missing It is the sincerest hope of all those involved in the CBI Cold Case Unit's efforts that the necessary tips and information can be provided to the agencies investigating these "cold cases" such that they may resolve their own investigations and provide some justice and resolution to these tragedies. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. This program should be reserved for those cases in which there is something unique about the victim or the way the crime was committed. FRANCIS ROMISCH. Hours later, another plastic bag containing more remains approximately 20 miles away on Pueblos east side was found. Jaime Villarreal and family via Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. Cases should be entered into the ViCAP Program with as much detailed information as possible. "Ive been waiting," Franklin, 87, said in an interview last summer with KMGH. ['_link'], Creating safer and more resilient communities across Colorado. We encourage family members to review the database and provide any missing information. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Former police detective Joe Kenda vividly remembers being called to the witness stand in a Colorado Springs courtroom to revisit a 1987 murder that remained unsolved for more than three decades. Oberholtzer's body was found the following day on the 11,500-foot summit of Hoosier Pass just off Colorado State Highway 9, some 10 miles south of Breckenridge. Analyst Simkins cane be reached at, Biometric Identification and Records Unit, Biometric Identification and Records Unit FAQs, Resources for Non-Criminal Justice Agencies, Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR) and Colorado Crime Statistics, Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Reciprocity, Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) Information, LEA Disposition of Firearms/Evidence Returns, Sex Offender Registration Training - Law Enforcement, Sex Offender Registration Training - For Law Enforcement Only. One witness statement could possibly break it wide open, and everything can fall in together.. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. Looking further into this report, we can see that from 1965 to ['b._setAccount', '$GA_SECONDARY_ACCOUNT'], All requests must be made through the Investigating Agency. To this day, her murder remains unsolved. In fact, there are hundreds of unsolved homicide cases, long-term missing person cases, and unidentified remains cases in our state where at least three years have passed since the crime happened. The Colorado cold case task force created a list of those cases dating back to 1970. Join the Westword community and help support Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. "I've worked on this case with them all this time, for results," said Barker's mother, Lynda Carlock. People solve cases too, she said. This undated image released by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation shows Annette Kay Schnee, who was found dead in a rural area of Park County, Colo., about 20 miles south of Breckenridge, on July 3, 1982. On Feb. 7, 2006, he was partying with friends off post and then went to the barracks. Since then, few clues have been released. The State of Colorado is committed to providing equitable access to our services to all Coloradans. We encourage members of the public to review these cases and provide any information that maybe helpful to the investigating agency. Denver's independent source of Although, the CBI is a participant,all documents and reports related to the Cold Case Task Force can be found on the Colorado Department of Public Safety website. The ten crimes featured in this installment include two of the most famous unsolved crimes in Boulder history: the deaths of Sid Wells and Dorothy Howard, who was buried as "Jane Doe" and not ID'd for more than a half-century. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The Colorado Cold Case Database features unsolved homicides, missing person, and unidentified person cases to assist law enforcement agencies in the development of information, which can lead to the identification, and arrest of any person(s) who may have committed any crime described on this page. Perfect. Colorado Bureau of Investigation A ton of detectives were involved, not just detectives from the homicide investigation, a lot of the community was really involved in trying to solve it, a lot of people had called in and tried to give whatever information they could to help solve it.