The identity of human remains found in a decades-old cold case has finally been uncovered.
The Weld County Sheriff's Office announced that the remains belong to Roxanne Leadbeater, who went missing in 1972.
Her identification brings answers to some lingering questions but leaves others unresolved.
Discovery of Remains in 1973
In November 1973, human remains were discovered near the St. Vrain River in Weld County, Colorado.
The site was located about four miles west of Platteville and 40 miles northwest of Denver.
The remains, unidentified at the time, were carefully preserved and later interred at Linn Grove Cemetery in Greeley.
At the time of the discovery, investigators had limited resources to determine the victim’s identity.
Despite their efforts, the case went cold, and the remains were referred to as "Jane Doe" for nearly 50 years.
The breakthrough came decades later, thanks to advancements in technology.
DNA Technology Leads to Identification
In 2021, cold case detectives decided to reopen the investigation and explore genetic genealogy as a possible solution.
They exhumed the remains in 2022 to collect usable DNA. This marked a turning point in the case, as it allowed for new tests that had not been available in the 1970s.
In 2024, DNA evidence confirmed the remains belonged to Roxanne Colleen Leadbeater, a 15-year-old who had been missing since 1972.
Her living relatives, including a first cousin, provided additional information to verify her identity.
This breakthrough demonstrated the power of modern forensic science in solving old cases.
Ongoing Questions in the Investigation
Although Roxanne’s identity is now known, her disappearance and death remain a mystery.
She was reported missing from the Los Angeles area, with no known ties to Colorado.
Her family has stated they were unaware of any reason she would have traveled so far from home.
Investigators are still trying to determine how Roxanne ended up in Weld County and what led to her death.
Her cause of death remains unclear, and the circumstances surrounding her case are considered suspicious.
Authorities continue to seek answers and encourage anyone with information to come forward.
