Naturita, CO Area Cold Cases

Name

Roger Ellison

Age

17

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

17 year old roger ellison was last seen the morning of february 10, 1981 at the cedaredge high school, but he did not attend any classes that day. His hair is dark blonde. He was last seen wearing a light blue nylon parka, jeans or brown pants, size 12 or 13 tennis shoes, and an orange or yellow backpack. Foul play is suspected. Second photo is age-progressed to 27 years old; third photo is progressed to 48 years. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the delta county sheriff's office.

Agency

Delta County Sheriff's Office

Name

Shanti Motry

Age

19

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

Shanti motry was last seen on march 3, 1993. He disappeared when he was in his front yard working on his car. He left behind his wallet, money, passport, and drivers license and all other personal belongings. Mr. Motry struggled with mental health issues and domestic problems, and may have been suicidal. He may have been in possession of a rifle. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the delta county sheriff's office.

Agency

Delta County Sheriff's Office

Name

Burton Swisher

Age

64

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the delta county sheriff's office.

Agency

Delta County Sheriff's Office

Name

Sheri Trujillo

Age

22

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

On july 3, 1998, sheri trujillo was last seen wearing black boxer shorts with a tank top reading "Hard to be cool". Ms. Trujillo has long, curly black hair (almost to her waist), pierced ears, and is known to wear contact lenses or glasses. Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the delta county sheriff's office.

Agency

Delta County Sheriff's Office

Name

Patricia Erickson

Age

34

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On may 17 1984, patricia erickson was found shot to death in her bed by her daughter. Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the montrose county sheriff's office.

Agency

Montrose County Sheriff's Office

Name

Gerardo Garcia-Miranda

Age

44

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On december 25, 2004, human remains were discovered in the fg lateral canal near olathe, colorado. The partially decomposed remains were examined by the montrose county coroner's office and the cause of death was determined to be homicide. The remains were later identified as gerardo garcia-miranda, a missing person. Garcia-miranda had been reported missing on september 9, 2004 by his employer. Garcia-miranda's two roommates were identified as persons of interest in the case but interviews with both men revealed no further information. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the montrose county sheriff's.

Agency

Montrose County Sheriff's Office

Name

Dale Williams

Age

42

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

42 year old dale williams was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt and blue jeans at a family market in naturita, co around may 27, 1999. He was either on his way to assist a stranded motorist, but he never arrived. His vehicle was found submerged in a river. Mr. Williams has not been seen since. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the colorado bureau of investigation or the montrose county sheriff's office.

Agency

Colorado Bureau of Investigation - Denver

Name

Susan Hoppes

Age

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On july 7 1994, the partial skeletal remains of an unidentified woman were found by hikers near the smokehouse campground on u.S. Forest service road 402 (divided road), commonly called "Windy point." the cause of death is unknown. Investigators believe the woman was brought to windy point after her death, possibly in the fall of 1993. From the examination of the remains, it is believed that the woman suffered from temporomandibular join syndrome (tmj) and scoliosis. Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the montrose county sheriff's office.

Agency

Montrose County Sheriff's Office

Name

Tracy Bastion

Age

33

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

Tracy jay bastion was last seen in montrose, colorado on october 21, 1994. He had planned on going hunting with friends but never showed up. His friends left without him. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the montrose police department.

Agency

Montrose Police Department

Name

Kenneth Chacon

Age

50

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

50 year old kenneth chacon was last seen between 8:00pm and 9:00pm at his residence in montrose, colorado. Mr. Chacon was known to wear t-shirts, jeans, a backwards baseball cap, and white tennis shoes. His only vehicle was still at his residence when he went missing. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the montrose police department.

Agency

Montrose Police Department

Name

Benjamin Gray

Age

50

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

50 year old benjamin gray was last seen in montrose, colorado on may 30, 1978. He leased the top floor of the chipeta bar and cafe in the 10 block of south uncompahgre. Mr.Gray left the establishment with a friend late in the evening on may 30, 1978. They were going to mr. Gray's family ranch in gunnison county, colorado, to lease some cattle. Mr.Gray's friend claims he took ben gray back to the chipeta bar during the early morning hours on may 31 and saw him go inside; but he never arrived in his room and has never been heard from again. He was last seen wearing a green and white plaid cowboy shirt, blue jeans, cowboy boots, a leather belt, and a heavy gold man's ring with a diamond. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the montrose police department.

Agency

Montrose Police Department

Name

Tadd Robinson

Age

25

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the ridgway marshal's office.

Agency

Ridgway Marshal's Office

Name

Connor Jones

Age

26

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

Connor jones was last seen on july 7, 2019 and was active on facebook then as well. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the montrose county sheriff's office.

Agency

Montrose County Sheriff's Office

Name

John Stegeman

Age

72

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

John stegeman was last seen on april 13, 2018 in montrose, colorado. He was last seen with his dog in his truck bed in the area of davewood/divdie. His vehicle was abandoned, but his dog was returned home. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the montrose police department.

Agency

Montrose Police Department

Name

Geraldine Israel

Age

34

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On april 14, 2020 geraldine castilleja israel was killed in a hit and run accident on u.S. Highway 160, mile marker 491 in cortez, colorado. Geraldine was a member of the ute mountain indian tribe. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the cortez police department.

Agency

Cortez Police Department

Name

James Williams

Age

59

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

James williams has been missing since 2013. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the cortez police department.

Agency

Cortez Police Department

Name

Milton Lee

Age

38

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the cortez police department.

Agency

Cortez Police Department

Name

Daniel Stevenson

Age

38

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

Daniel coog stevenson went missing on may 5, 2020 from his residence in mancos, co. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the otero county sheriff's office.

Agency

Montezuma County Sheriff's Office

Name

Victor Abeyta

Age

48

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

Worked at safeway on patterson road as a butcher and did not pick up his last check. He has mental health issues and was last seen living on the streets, wearing a blue coat, white t-shirt, black jeans, and white tennis shoes. He may have violent tendencies. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the grand junction police department.

Agency

Grand Junction Police Department

Name

Beatrice Montes

Age

51

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On november 21, 1993, beatrice montes shut down her restaurant, la mariposa, formerly at 159 1/2 colorado avenue. After counting the days receipts and cash with her boyfriend, jose jesus tanori-ruiz, and her son joseph vigil the three retired to their apartments above the restaurant. Around 2:00 a.M. Joseph vigil was interrupted by yelling between beatrice and jose. The next morning, around 11:00 a.M., joseph vigil woke to find his mother, beatrice montes, strangled to death. The cash from the previous day's business along with jose jesus tanori-ruiz were gone. In october 1994, police received information placing mr. Tanori-ruiz in the sonora region of mexico. In 1996 grand junction police obtained an arrest warrant for jose jesus tanori-ruiz. Anyone with information regarding this case or the whereabouts of mr. Tanori-ruiz is asked to please contact the grand junction police department.

Agency

Grand Junction Police Department

Name

Jose Rivas

Age

95

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

Jose rivas was found strangled and beaten toward the rear of his home, while an autopsy confirmed multiple traumatic injuries. According to police the house had been ransacked and there was evidence of forced entry. Nothing in the house was found missing however rumors spread that rivas' home had been targeted for hidden cash. Neighbors reported the area was quiet the night of the attack. Rivas was last seen at his house around 7:00 p.M. Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the grand junction police department.

Agency

Grand Junction Police Department

Name

Abigail Blagg

Age

6

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

6 year old abby blagg and her mother were last seen at their home on november 12, 2001 sometime in the late afternoon. There appeared to have been a struggle inside the blagg residence; a large amount of blood was on the mattress in the master bedroom. Abby's mother's body was found in june 2002 but abby is still missing. Abby's father, michael blagg, was convicted in 2004 for the murder of abby's mother, but has never been charged in connection with abby's disappearance. First photo is at 6 years old, second photo is age-progressed to 13 years, third photo is age-progressed to 17 years. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the mesa county sheriff's office.

Agency

Mesa County Sheriff's Office

Name

Phlisia Bunting

Age

16

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the mesa county sheriff's office.

Agency

Mesa County Sheriff's Office

Name

Bill Adkins

Age

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the mesa county sheriff's office.

Agency

Mesa County Sheriff's Office

Name

Michael Harris

Age

41

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the mesa county sheriff's office.

Agency

Mesa County Sheriff's Office

Name

James Hopewell

Age

30

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the mesa county sheriff's office.

Agency

Mesa County Sheriff's Office

Name

Jeffery Maring

Age

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On november 20, 1988, the body of jeffery allen maring was found at the walker wildlife area, west of grand junction, colorado. Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the mesa county sheriff's office.

Agency

Mesa County Sheriff's Office

Name

Robert Scott

Age

53

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

Robert dwaine scott was last seen in grand junction, colorado on july 30, 2002. A relative found a suicide note at the location, and a 9mm glock was missing from the residence. Mr. Scott may be in the area of the flat tops wilderness area in garfield county. He drove a white 1995 chevrolet pickup truck and has not been heard from since. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the mesa county sheriff's office.

Agency

Mesa County Sheriff's Office

Name

Shane Turner

Age

26

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the mesa county sheriff's office.

Agency

Mesa County Sheriff's Office

Name

Larry Watts

Age

48

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

Larry watts was last seen with his brother leo watts in grand junction, colorado on june 16, 1997. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the mesa county sheriff's office.

Agency

Mesa County Sheriff's Office

Name

Denise Oliverson

Age

24

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

On april 6, 1975, denise oliverson set out on a bicycle ride from her home at 1619 laveta street en-route to her parents house. The next day, a search party found her bicycle and shoes under the fifth street bridge, near the railroad tracks. She was last seen wearing a green long-sleeved indian print blouse and dark levi pants. Authorities suspect that ms. Oliverson was killed by serial killer ted bundy. In 1989, days before his execution, ted bundy told investigators he had disposed of a body in a river about five miles west of grand junction, colorado. A time-line created by the fbi places ted bundy in grand junction through april of 1975. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the grand junction police department.

Agency

Grand Junction Police Department

Name

Martin Conley

Age

51

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

On march 19, 2013, martin conley left a friends house and has not been seen or heard from since. His vehicle, a gray 2003 chevrolet silverado license 129-xes, was later located in ouray county. Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the mesa county sheriffs office.

Agency

Mesa County Sheriff's Office

Name

Pamela Bera

Age

58

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

On august 14, 2013, pamela bera was reported missing. However, she was last seen getting on a greyhound bus from fond du lac, wisconsin to grand junction, colorado in june of 2003. Ms. Bera never arrived. Greyhound advised that ms. Bera may have gotten off the bus in milwaukee, wisconsin. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the mesa county sheriff's office.

Agency

Mesa County Sheriff's Office

Name

Brian James

Age

66

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

Brian went missing november 1st 1988. He has alzheimer's disease, and has not cashed his social security checks since november of unknown year. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the mesa county sheriff's office.

Agency

Mesa County Sheriff's Office

Name

Shane Turner

Age

26

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

Shane turner was last seen leaving his residence on may 21st, 1997, with another male. Mr. Turner had reportedly received a phone call in which a male advised him to meet him outside mr. Turner's residence in a few minutes. The caller said that he was from parks and that there had been a complaint filed against mr. Turner, so he needed to go with him while blindfolded. Mr. Turner went inside his house, got a flannel shirt, and left in a white truck, possibly a ford. Mr. Turner has not been seen since and may have been abducted. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the mesa county sheriff's office.

Agency

Mesa County Sheriff's Office

Name

Ctormy Taylor

Age

30

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

Agency

Mesa County Sheriff's Office

Name

Jennifer Lockwood

Age

46

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

Agency

Mesa County Sheriff's Office

Name

Vernon Muth

Age

48

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

Vernon john muth, 48, had been shot three times in the head inside his unit at rocky mountain court; 1211 s. Fifth street. Grand junction police estimated he had been dead three days before the apartment manager, harold ault, found the body. One neighbor reported hearing gunshots in the evening three days prior. Investigation revealed most of mr. Muth's known friends were local transients. Mr. Muth reportedly made a living selling pot and dealt with unsatisfied customers on a regular basis. Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the grand junction police department.

Agency

Grand Junction Police Department

Name

Clyde Peterman

Age

45

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On march 19, 1979, clyde peterman was found in the bathtub of his apartment at 246 belford avenue, unit 6. Mr. Peterman had a series of cuts, bruises, and other wounds over his body. The autopsy also showed blunt force trauma to the head. Mr. Peterman was a janitor at a local hotel, when he did not show up for work his boss went to his apartment and found his body. Mr. Peterman was a recovering alcoholic and was openly gay. There were several people who had issues with his lifestyle. Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the grand junction police department.

Agency

Grand Junction Police Department

Name

Robert Lavender

Age

45

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On august 26, 1987, robert lavender was found beaten to death near the colorado river under the broadway bridge. Prior to his discovery, he was last seen walking in the general area of the bridge. Mr. Lavender was a welder and a mechanic with a history of numerous arrests for minor offenses in texas and colorado. Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the grand junction police department.

Agency

Grand Junction Police Department

Name

Patricia Haywood

Age

18

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

Patricia haywood was found shot in the head shortly after 9 a.M. On july 1, 1964 in the alleyway to the rear of 1350 n. 17th street. Her underclothing and shorts were torn down to her ankles; a yellow blouse had been pushed up around her neck. No evidence of sexual assault was recovered from the scene. Several neighbors who heard possible gunshots thought they were firecrackers for the fourth of july. Authorities believe haywood was walking to her mother's apartment at 1827 bunting avenue after a night out with her friend when the incident took place. Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the grand junction police department.

Agency

Grand Junction Police Department

Name

Gerald Burns

Age

44

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

October 11, 1986 gerald burns body was found by transients near railroad tracks along the interstate 70 business loop, behind a group of buildings at 1801 e. Main street, which was adjacent to a known transient camp at the time. An autopsy showed mr. Burns was strangled and had blunt-force injuries to his head and neck. Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the grand junction police department.

Agency

Grand Junction Police Department

Name

Deborah Tomlinson

Age

19

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On december 27, 1975, deborah tomlinson was found in her apartment, 1029 belford avenue, lying partially clothed in a bathtub. She had been sexually assaulted, bound and strangled. A gash on her forehead suggests she may have fought with her attacker. Authorities have no evidence a weapon was used. A woman who managed the apartment complex found tomlinson's body around 6:00 p.M after using a pass key to enter the locked unit. The manager had become worried after repeated phone calls were not answered and the bedroom window was left open and the toilet left running. Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the grand junction police department.

Agency

Grand Junction Police Department

Name

Sylvia Frens

Age

82

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

Sylvia was last seen on 02/13/2018. She has not been seen or heard from since. If anyone has any information regarding this case, please contact the grand junction police department.

Agency

Grand Junction Police Department

Name

Clinton Jeter

Age

34

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

Clinton was last known to be residing in grand junction, colorado and has not been seen or heard from since may 18, 2004. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the grand junction police department.

Agency

Grand Junction Police Department

Name

Addison Dunn

Age

16

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

This person was last seen on september 28th, 2021. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the mesa county sheriff's office.

Agency

Mesa County Sheriff's Office

Name

Carl Jackson

Age

Cause of Death

Missing

Info

Carl jackson is believed to have been missing since september of 2003. Mr. Jackson has missed a court appearance and some believed he disappeared to avoid prosecution. He was known have abused drugs. Mr. Jackson has had no contact with any of his relations. Foul play is suspected. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the fruita police department.

Agency

Fruita Police Department

Name

Ronald Vanlandingham

Age

55

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On may 23, 1993, upon entering the livery bar on main street in palisade, co, the reporting party was in the process of locating the bartender when she found ronald vanlandingham and gary moss fatally wounded by gunshots in the men's bathroom. Further investigation revealed the business had been robbed. Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the palisade police department.

Agency

Palisade Police Department

Name

Gary Moss

Age

49

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On may 23, 1993, upon entering the livery bar on main street in palisade, co, the reporting party was in the process of locating the bartender when she found ronald vanlandingham and gary moss fatally wounded by gunshots in the men's bathroom. Further investigation revealed the business had been robbed. Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to please contact the palisade police department.

Agency

Palisade Police Department

Name

Jakob Brown

Age

16

Cause of Death

Gun/firearm

Info

Agency

Mesa County Sheriff's Office