Suspicious Death Investigation Now Homicide Investigation

FINAL: Homicide Investigation Update

Released June 10, 2015

A case summary report from the Lawrence Marez homicide investigation is being released as a final update to this investigation. To read the case summary, click here.

Released June 9, 2015

Mesa County, Colo. -- Today, the Adams County Coroner released the identity of the deceased female following an incident with law enforcement on the Front Range on June 3, 2015. Barbara Blanton-Marez, was identified by the Adams County Coroner in their news release, who is the same person named as a person of interest in the homicide investigation of Lawrence Marez, which began on June 1.

Through the course of the homicide investigation, the evidence consistently points to Barbara likely being the sole suspect in the stabbing death of Lawrence. Investigators continue to work this homicide investigation.

Updates will be provided as they become available.

Released June 3, 2015

Mesa County, Colo. -- Early this morning, the Mesa County Coroner released the identity of the deceased male as Lawrence Marez, 50, of Grand Junction. The Coroner determined the manner of death is homicide, and the release is posted here to read more details.

Late this morning, law enforcement officials in the Weld County area were in a vehicle pursuit with the red truck. Initial information from the Front Range scene shared with our investigators, indicates the truck is believed to be the stolen truck listed below and the deceased driver is likely Barbara. Barbara was named yesterday as a person of interest in a death investigation being handled by our agency. We can't stress enough however, that it will take time to make a positive ID and that has not yet occurred. Agency investigators are enroute to Weld County.

Updates will continue to be posted as they become available.

Barbara Blanton-Marez
May 2015 Photo

Previously Released June 2, 2015

Mesa County, Colo. -- An autopsy of the adult man found inside the residence at 2976 Globe Willow Avenue, Grand Junction, is being conducted today by the Mesa County Coroner. Investigators have named Barbara A. Blanton-Marez, 39, of Grand Junction, as a person of interest in the death investigation. Barbara is currently wanted on a felony escape warrant and a non-compliance warrant for walking away from Community Corrections on May 29, in Mesa County. She was serving a three-year Community Corrections sentence for felony menacing.

Barbara Ann Blanton-Marez
Feb 2015 MCSO Photo

This morning, investigators issued an attempt to locate bulletin for Barbara as a person of interest, and for a stolen truck she might be driving. The truck is a red 2007 Ford with Colorado license plate, 651ZSA. Anyone who sees her or the truck should call 911. Do not contact her.

The Mesa County Coroner is expected to release information about the deceased male upon completion of the autopsy. The death investigation is ongoing. Updates will be provided as they become available.

Previously Released June 1, 2015 at 8: 22 p.m.

Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies were called to a residential home in the 2900 block of Globe Willow Avenue, Grand Junction, at 4 p.m. Dispatch sent deputies there on a report of a deceased adult male inside the home.

2900 Block of Globe Willow Ave., Grand Junction

Investigators, along with the agency's crime scene van, were called to the scene and will process it tonight. A number of people are speaking with investigators this evening as this case continues to develop. No arrests have been made in connection to this case. The Mesa County Coroner will determine cause and manner of death following an autopsy. The Coroner will also confirm identity of the deceased man and release that information as it can be made available.

This suspicious death investigation is active and on-going, with updates provided as they become available.