Thursday, July 24, 2014

Death Investigation In North Desert Area

BLM Ranger & Deputy at Highline Canal/25 Road

Investigators On-Scene Of Unattended Death In Desert

Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies and investigators converged on the scene of a body found in the desert north of Grand Junction, in the area of 25 and J Roads. The call came into the Regional Communication Dispatch Center around 3:30 p.m., on a report of a body found by a passerby in the desert north of the Highline Canal. Law enforcement have blocked access to the desert from 25 Road while investigators conduct the on-scene investigation.

MCSO Crime Scene Van crossing Highline Canal
The Sheriff's Office is conducting an unattended death investigation, while the area where the body was found is on land managed by the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management. The agency's crime scene processing van and unmanned aerial systems are currently on-scene. Investigators will process the scene while also looking for any connection to the missing person investigation that continues to be active.

The Mesa County Coroner will assist in the investigation to determine cause and manner of death, as well as confirm identity of the deceased person. The Coroner will notify next of kin prior to releasing any personal information related to this case.

Further details will be released as they become available.