1. Cold case solved after remains found in Weld County field
2. Colorado cold case solved after 24+ years.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : Forensic genetic genealogy has finally brought closure to a long-standing mystery surrounding the discovery of a man’s body in a field in Northern Colorado. The investigation was initiated on February 14, 2000, when a passerby walking his dog stumbled upon human remains in a field near E. 8th Street and Weld County Road 43.
Upon arrival, Weld County deputies and investigators found no signs of foul play. The remains were identified by an anthropologist as belonging to a white male, estimated to be between 35 and 50 years old, standing at 5 feet 4 inches tall. Although the man’s body weight could not be determined, it was noted that he may have had a tattoo located in the center of his back. Despite the thorough examination, no evidence of trauma was found, and the cause or manner of death could not be determined due to the advanced decomposition of the body.
For over two decades, the unidentified male discovered on Valentine’s Day was known simply as John Doe 2000. However, in 2022, a breakthrough came in the form of forensic genetic genealogy. DNA extracted from the remains led investigators to relatives in Nevada, who willingly provided their DNA to aid in solving the case.
In December 2023, Cold Case Detective Byron Kastilahn received the news he had been eagerly anticipating. The genetic genealogy testing revealed that John Doe 2000 was likely Christopher Scott Case. Subsequent genetic testing confirmed the positive identification of the remains as Christopher Case. Detective Kastilahn expressed his gratitude towards the advancements in forensic genetic genealogy, stating that without this technology, Christopher Case may have never been identified. He also mentioned his goal of utilizing this method for other unidentified human remains cases in the future.
Prior to his untimely death, Christopher Case resided in Rock Springs, Wyoming, and was last seen by his half-brother in Nevada in 1998. The resolution of this cold case serves as a testament to the power of forensic genetic genealogy in bringing closure to families and solving long-standing mysteries.
Jennifer McRae, a digital media producer for CBS Colorado, has over 25 years of experience in the news industry. She is an integral part of the award-winning digital team at CBS Colorado, recognized for excellence in website design by the Colorado Broadcasters Association..
Colorado cold case solved
Weld County remains found.
