07-03-2025
Renewed effort in Pueblo to identify burned human remains found in 2017
(PUEBLO, Colo.) — A renewed effort in Pueblo is being aided by a forensic DNA lab to help identify the burned remains of a man who was found after a grass fire in Pueblo in 2017.
According to previous coverage by our sister station in Denver, FOX31, the burned remains of a man were found in April 2017, after crews had extinguished a fire in a field east of the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk, near Gruma Road. The man's identity has remained unsolved since 2017.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Skeletal remains found in debris of Pueblo brush fire – FOX31
Now, the Pueblo County Coroner's Office and the Pueblo Police Department have partnered with Othram, a forensic DNA lab near Houston, to identify the man.
'The ever-developing and emerging DNA technology is a blessing,' said Brian Cotter, Pueblo County Coroner. 'This technology helps us to find identity for even our most difficult cases.'
According to Othram, investigators determined that the remains had been in the field for an undetermined period of time before the fire. The remains were charred in the fire but not destroyed.
'People need to know that even though this is an old case, and even though the remains were burned, we have the ability to identify this man,' said Kristen Mittelman, Chief Development Officer at Othram. 'Whoever this man was, his family deserves to know what happened to him and we can make that happen.'
Investigators have determined the man was an adult who stood between 5'11' and 6'3″ tall, and was of either white or Latino descent. According to Othram, at the time the man's remains were discovered, there were no other identifying characteristics that would help lead investigators toward an identity.
After the remains were recovered, details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, though no match has ever been made. The new partnership between authorities in Pueblo and Othram will allow DNA testing of the remains to expand the identification efforts. Othram said scientists will work to develop a suitable DNA extract that can be used to develop a comprehensive DNA profile, to be used in records research and forensic genetic genealogy.
Anyone with information that could aid in the investigation is encouraged to contact the Pueblo County Coroner's Office by calling 719-583-4673 and referencing agency case number 196-2017.
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