Police search for leads in 1985 cold case of missing UNC student found in river
DENVER (KDVR) — It's been 40 years since a University of Northern Colorado student was reported missing to the Greeley Police Department.
Denise Davenport was last seen on Feb. 24, 1985, driving from the Greeley mall. A few days later, the vehicle she had been driving — her boyfriend's blue Mazda RX-7 — was discovered on 9th Avenue near Frazer Hall, a dorm on the UNC campus. Davenport was last seen wearing a bright pink two-piece suit, with a white blouse and black pumps, according to the Weld County Sheriff's Office.
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On April 20, 1985, kayakers found Davenport's remains in the South Platte River between 18th Street and Highway 34, east of Greeley. Police said foul play is suspected and her death is being investigated as a homicide.
The Weld County Sheriff's Office shared details published in the county's newspaper, where friends said Davenport 'always had a smile on her face,' and that 'everything was precious to her, life was precious to her.' The paper reported that detectives had interviewed over 100 friends, acquaintances and potential witnesses, and had also investigated over 70 tips.
'Detectives also examined the dirt from the area Denise's body was discovered for more clues, and there were no noteworthy findings,' the Weld County Sheriff's Office said on Facebook.
Anyone with information about Davenport's murder is asked to contact Det. Byron Kastilahn at bkastilahn@weld.gov or 970-400-2827. Tips can also be submitted to the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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