The Crestone Eagle, October 2008:

Burned body found west of Saguache is being investigated as a homicide

SAGUACHE — The discovery of burning skeletal remains found in Saguache County near Big Springs campground on Saturday Sept. 20 “is actively being investigated as a homicide,” said Saguache County Sheriff Mike Norris.

“Evidence collected at the scene was taken to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation office in Pueblo, Colo. for examination by a pathologist,” Norris said. The skeletal remains have been sent to the El Paso County Medical Examiners’ Office in Colorado Springs, Colo. for forensic examination. The results have not yet been returned as of press time.

The sheriff’s office received a call at approximately 9:40am Sat., Sept. 20 regarding the discovery of a barrel that was burning at Saguache CR 41G, appx. 12 miles west of Saguache off Hwy 114, that contained what appeared to be human skeletal remains.

Investigator Mark Werts and Deputy Cpl. Hawkins were sent to the location and reported finding blood, clothing and other items at the scene which were later recovered in the forensic investigation.

Norris indicated that investigators believe whatever happened at the site happened within hours of the discovery. CBI crime scene investigators were called in to assist the sheriff’s staff.

Norris stressed the investigation remains in the preliminary stages, but asks the public if anyone was in the area of the discovery late that Friday night or Saturday morning to contact the sheriff’s office at (719) 655-2525.

Norris also stated that this incident was not connected to a body that was recently found in northern Alamosa County. As of press time, the Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office had not responded for a request for information on that report. Updates will be posted on the Eagle website www.crestoneeagle.com.

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