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Weld County Renews Appeal in 1973 Jane Doe Case Identified as Roxanne Leadbeater

Detectives are seeking classmates to fill gaps left by decades-old records.

Overview

  • On Nov. 19, 1973, hunters found skeletal remains along the St. Vrain River west of Platteville, marking a case that reached its 52-year anniversary.
  • Forensic genetic genealogy identified the remains as Roxanne Leadbeater on Dec. 3, 2024, following an April 2022 exhumation for DNA testing.
  • Investigators determined she lived on W. 163rd Street in Lawndale, California, and attended Will Rogers Junior High in 1970–71 and Lawndale High School in 1971–72.
  • Six Los Angeles–area agencies have no record of her being reported missing or as a runaway, and distant cousins believe she disappeared around 1972 with no known ties to Colorado.
  • Her death is considered suspicious with cause and manner still undetermined, and tips are requested to Det. Byron Kastilahn at 970-400-2827 or BKastilahn@weld.gov, or to 970-304-6464 or CrimeTips@weld.gov.