Apparent Murder Victim Found in Tranquil Colorado Valley

Murder is not unknown in Garfield County, Colorado, but it is rare. Garfield County is located in the beautiful setting of what is commonly called the Aspen Valley, a collection of small towns, including Glenwood Springs, extending down valley from Aspen, the home of many of the rich and famous. One of the more famous serial killers of our time, Ted Bundy, was held in and escaped the Glenwood Springs jail on December 30, 1977, where he was being held for murders in Aspen and Vail, Colorado.

On Friday, June 12, 2009, at approximately 10:54 a.m., a body was found in an apple orchard in Canyon Creek, Colorado, on County Road 137, mere miles from the location in the Colorado River where Bundy years later confessed to dropping the body of one of his many victims. A teenage boy working in the orchard found the body "partially inside a black bag" according to some unconfirmed reports. The apple orchard sits on highway 6&24 right off of 1-70 and the exit for Canyon Creek. Garfield County Sheriff's department was unable to determine any missing person reports for the area and speculated the person could have been murdered elsewhere. Because the body was found only about 20 feet off the road, with easy access off 1-70 made it appear to be a possible "drop sight" according to Sheriff Lou Vallario.

As happens in many communities, where murders are rare, rumors were flying throughout the Valley ranging from decapitations to possible identity. Reports in various media sources stated the body to be that of a young girl between the age of 10 and 12. Holly Hopple, Community Relations Deputy with the Garfield County Sheriff department wanted people to understand none of the rumors were confirmed. The gender and age of the person were considered "undetermined" until a qualified report from the Coroner's office in Grand Junction, Colorado was released.

The remains were sent to Grand Junction at 4:00 p.m. yesterday for an autopsy. The Post Mortem exam determined the body was that of a female approximately 20-35 years of age, not a child as previously reported in the media. The victim had brown hair with blond highlights. She had multiple tattoos and extensive dental work which had been done sometime during her life. The victim's identity has not been determined at this time. According to the press release all the remains have not yet been recovered giving some credence to the rumor of possible dismemberment or possible loss to wildlife. Coyotes are common in the area and mountain lions are seen on occasion.

Cause of death and other information has been either withheld or is not yet available. While the public often wants this information immediately, it is not always conducive to an investigation to release every detail. Releasing all details can hamper an investigation in many ways.

The 1-70 corridor unfortunately provides an easy access for crime with the ability to quickly exit and return to the national highway system. The Canyon Creek victim may be from another county or even another state. If you have any information on a missing person/loved one who matches the description of the victim call Garfield County Dispatch at 970-945-9151.

Sources:

Phone Source; Holly Hopple Community Relations Deputy, Garfield County Sheriff

Email Press Release; Garfield County Sheriff Department