Grand County, UT Area Cold Cases

Name
Fontella GallowayAge
63Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
6/19/1969 the body of ms fontella was found at her residence in roosevelt. The cause of death was suffocation.Agency
Utah Department of Public Safety
Name
Joseph SheetsAge
28Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
28 year old joseph william sheets was the victim of a homicide on september 19, 1987. He was found in the buck springs area of rural wasatch county. Sheets was reported to be driving to colorado from salt lake city at the time his body was discovered. Sheets died as a result of several gunshot wounds to his body at the time, sheets was traveling in his green, 1975 ford ltd wagon. This vehicle has never been located.Agency
Utah Department of Public Safety
Name
Marty ShookAge
21Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
Marty shook, a 21 year old white male, left sparks nevada on june 12, 1982 sometime in the afternoon. Shook told family members he was going to colorado to look for work and that he would be hitch hiking. Shook was an accomplished hitcher and would travel the same route exclusively. Nothing is known of the victims activities from the time he left the reno area until his body was found in wasatch county, utah on june 14, 1982. On june 14, 1982 wasatch county received a call regarding a possible homicide/dead body discovered near daniels creek on hwy 40. The body was located by a fisherman . Wasatch county deputies responded to where the body was located. At the scene the body of a white male adult was located on the south side of u.S. 40, within three feet of daniels creek. The body was found nude, lying on his back, with his knees pulled slightly up, as if he had been picked up and dropped into the willows at the edge of the creek. The male had shoulder length auburn hair, a thin scraggly beard and mustache. There was a fair amount of blood on the head and face of the victim. The male subject had identifying tattoos: a black spider on a red back ground located above his left breast and a lightning bolt with the word “crash” inscribed through it located on his upper arm. Upon moving the body it was discovered that the subject had been castrated. Genitalia was completely absent. Autopsy reports states the male dies of a single gunshot wound to the back of the head, behind the left ear from a .38 caliber weapon. Castration was done post mortem. It is believed the body was dumped after death so an additional crime scene is possible. The victim left nevada with his personal belongings in a back pack that he carried, along with a bed roll and the clothes he was wearing. No idea how much if any money he was carrying. None of the victims belongs were recovered.Agency
Utah Department of Public Safety
Name
Emerson FarnsworthAge
Cause of Death
MissingInfo
Emmett farnsworth went missing from price, ut on july 6, 1967. His sister reported that her brother was in price on july 4, 1967 and left for duchesne county where he had been living in a trailer. He was a construction worker by trade. Report was received that mr. Farnsworth’s car had been found burned near waldon, co with license plates and registration identification removed.A sheepherder reported finding a body about five miles north of granby, co. The sheepherder was unfamiliar with the country and has not been able to lead officers back to where he had seen the body. Authorities said the body might be that of emerson farnsworth, of duchesne, ut missing since july 6, 1967.Agency
Utah Department of Public Safety
Name
Victor AbeytaAge
48Cause of Death
MissingInfo
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 MontesAge
51Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
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 RivasAge
95Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
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 BlaggAge
6Cause of Death
MissingInfo
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 BuntingAge
16Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
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 AdkinsAge
Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
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 HarrisAge
41Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
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 HopewellAge
30Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
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 MaringAge
Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
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 ScottAge
53Cause of Death
MissingInfo
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 TurnerAge
26Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
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 WattsAge
48Cause of Death
MissingInfo
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 OliversonAge
24Cause of Death
MissingInfo
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 ConleyAge
51Cause of Death
MissingInfo
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 BeraAge
58Cause of Death
MissingInfo
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 JamesAge
66Cause of Death
MissingInfo
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 TurnerAge
26Cause of Death
MissingInfo
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
Vernon MuthAge
48Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
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 PetermanAge
45Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
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 LavenderAge
45Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
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 HaywoodAge
18Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
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 BurnsAge
44Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
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 TomlinsonAge
19Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
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 FrensAge
82Cause of Death
MissingInfo
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 JeterAge
34Cause of Death
MissingInfo
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 DunnAge
16Cause of Death
MissingInfo
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 JacksonAge
Cause of Death
MissingInfo
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 VanlandinghamAge
55Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
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 MossAge
49Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
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
Doug NelsonAge
69Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
5/5/2008 doug nelson died due to ethanol glycol poisoning. His wife said he accidentally drank some antifreeze when he had gotten up during the night.Agency
Utah Department of Public Safety
Name
George KempAge
68Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
2/5/2000 george kemp was found shot in the back of the head at the west water rest area near mm225 on I-70. 22lr casings were recovered from the scene, a bullet was recovered from the skull of the victim.Agency
Utah Department of Public Safety
Name
Paul HodgdenAge
30Cause of Death
MissingInfo
On february 19, 2012, paul hodgden went to dinner with friends at a local restaurant. Paul was never seen again. He has a history of heavy alcohol and drug use and was on probation. Mr. Hodgden is asthmatic, has mental health issues, and may be suicidal. He was last seen wearing a tan and red coat, black shirt, blue jeans, and red and white shoes. Mr. Hodgden has multiple tattoos, including: large 'rr' with overlapping rs on right neck; two hands praying with a dangling rosary on left neck; skyscraper buildings with a bench in front on chest; 'rip jds' on left wrist; '4 life' on right arm; a prince wearing a crown on chest with words 'hors la loi' underneath; dragon on left shoulder; 'prc' on right shoulder; '1 nation' on left arm; skulls on right forearm; 'casanova' down left side of arm to knee; 'cheapest dentist' across all fingers; 'no evil' on left ear; 'karma' on left hand; '970' on calf (possibly left calf). Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the parachute police department.Agency
Parachute Police Department
Name
Roger EllisonAge
17Cause of Death
MissingInfo
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 MotryAge
19Cause of Death
MissingInfo
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 SwisherAge
64Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
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 TrujilloAge
22Cause of Death
MissingInfo
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
Denise SullivanAge
Cause of Death
MissingInfo
Dennise was on vacation with her mother and mother’s fiance in july 1961. They encountered an adult male who claimed he had car trouble. The adult male then demanded money from the adult couple and displayed a gun. After shooting both adults he forced the child into his vehicle and drove away. Contact grand county sheriffs office with any information.Agency
Utah Department of Public Safety
Name
Jennifer KleinAge
Cause of Death
MissingInfo
Jennifer klein (“jenny”) was last seen with her family when they were camped at a campground approximately ten miles north of moab, utah. The campground was in the trees and there was a path through the woods that led to the river. There were several people (adults and children) who were out by the river. The campground was full because it was the memorial day weekend. Jennifer’s father, howard had gone back to the camper for something and jenny was playing in the sand. There was a dog fight and everyone turned their attention to the dogs. When jennifer’s mother and brother (five years old at time of disappearance) turned back around jennifer was gone.Agency
Utah Department of Public Safety
Name
Robert MarvinAge
55Cause of Death
MissingInfo
Robert was last seen leaving his residence in the vicinity of the 200 block of e. 100 so. In moab, utah. He was a successful business man and traveled back and forth between moab and albuquerque, nm. He was last seen on september 12, 1984 at a gas station in moab. His vehicle was located at the albuquerque airport.Agency
Utah Department of Public Safety
Name
Rhonda KarrenAge
31Cause of Death
MissingInfo
Rhonda fae karren was last seen at 9:00 pm on september 28, 1987 in vernal ut. She had attended a work seminar in salt lake city that evening. Her car was parked in her driveway. Notes from the seminar and her purse was on the table inside her home. There were signs of a struggle in the backyard, none in the residence. The suit jacket and shoes which karren had worn were found on the ground, foul play is suspected.Agency
Utah Department of Public Safety
Name
Orthea WamsleyAge
43Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
5/5/1976 duncan wamsley was working at the neola store and was abducted from the store. Her body was found north of neola in a wooded area her hands were bound behind her back. Othea was shot in the head.Agency
Utah Department of Public Safety
Name
Patricia EricksonAge
34Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
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-MirandaAge
44Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
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