On May 29, 2022, at around 6:30 p.m., two citizens walked into the Manitou Springs Police Department with a bag that contained a partial human skull and other bone fragments.

The two citizens were hiking near Spruce Trail (near the water tower) in Manitou Springs, Colorado, when they discovered the remains. 

The Manitou Spring Police Department contacted the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and our Investigations Division assumed responsibility over this investigation.  

On May 30, 2022, an area search was conducted by El Paso County Sheriff's Office detectives and the El Paso County Search and Rescue Team (SAR). The SAR provided two cadaver dog teams to assist in the area search.

On May 31, 2022, the El Paso County Coroner's Office conducted an autopsy on the partial skull, surgical hardware associated with orthopedic repair, and other bone fragments. The coroner's office will determine the cause of death and the investigation is ongoing. 

Information from this investigation will be released as the investigation allows. If anyone has any information on this case we ask you to contact the El Paso County Sheriff's Office Tip Line, 719-520-7777 or Crime Stoppers at 719-634-7867 to remain anonymous.