Homicide investigation begins after unidentified body found at Mirror Lake
The victim, an elderly man who law enforcement has so far been unable to identify, was “wrapped in a tarp,” according to the Albany County Sheriff’s Office.
The Albany County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday it is launching a homicide investigation following the discovery of a dead body near Mirror Lake in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest west of Laramie.
The victim, who law enforcement has so far been unable to identify, was found on Independence Day. While few details have been shared with the public, the sheriff’s office has acknowledged the “suspicious nature” of the death.
“The examination revealed that John Doe was an elderly male, discovered wrapped in a tarp at the Mirror Lake Recreational Area,” states an update posted to the Albany County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. “Regrettably, there were no identifiable markings that could assist in distinguishing him from others.”
On July 4, around 8 p.m., the sheriff’s office was notified that a body had been discovered, according to a news release published around 4:30 p.m. the next day.
“The Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene and confirmed a deceased individual near the Mirror Lake Day Use area,” that July 5 news release states. “There is no confirmed information about the deceased, and they remain unidentified currently. Cause and manner of death is currently being investigated. There is no immediate threat to the public.”
The sheriff’s office transported the remains to the Larimer County Coroner’s Office in Colorado, which conducted an autopsy today. In an update published this afternoon, the sheriff’s office does not identify the cause of death. The update notes the autopsy was “diligently conducted” but failed to turn up any “identifiable markings” that could help to identify the victim.
“Consequently, our dedicated detectives will meticulously analyze John Doe’s fingerprints, DNA, and dental records, comparing them to missing persons reports that align with his description,” the update this afternoon notes. “The Albany County Sheriff’s Office is treating and investigating this case as a homicide, employing all available resources to uncover the truth surrounding this unfortunate incident.”
The homicide investigation is being conducted with help from the Division of Criminal Investigation Crime Scene Unit.
The sheriff’s office is encouraging anyone with information that might assist in the investigation to contact the non-emergency dispatch line at 721-2526 “and request to speak to a Sheriff’s Office Detective.”
“Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, we are limited in the information we can share with the public at this time,” states the update. “However, we are committed to providing updates as soon as they become available … We hope that we may soon receive answers and bring closure to this individual’s loved ones.”
How terribly sad. Hope they find DNA that leads to an arrest.