SALIDA, Colo. — The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office and the Salida Police Department said Tuesday they have identified persons of interest in the investigation into the 1980 disappearance and death of Beverly England.
England’s remains were found near the base of Mount Shavano in 1992. The identity of the remains were confirmed through DNA in September 2015.
Tuesday’s announcement comes two weeks after Chaffee County District Attorney Molly Chilson considered the case closed.
Chilson admitted she had no intention of convening a grand jury despite the wishes of investigators.
“It is impossible in my opinion that anything would break loose in a grand jury proceeding that would overcome the lack of evidence from the last 36 years,” she said.
That didn’t sit well with Chaffee County Sheriff John Spezze, who said a grand jury would allow investigators to question witnesses under oath.
“The one thing I want people to know is just because she’s not seeking a grand jury, we’re still actively investigating this case,” he said.
Spezze said a phone tip in recent days led him to believe those persons of interest told other people what happened.
“In fact, we know that there are other people out there that have good information in regards to what happened to Beverly England,” Spezze said.
England, then 32, was reported missing after failing to return home on the evening of June 12, 1980. She had last been seen alive in Salida with another woman.
Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 719-539-5729 or 719-530-2617, or Chaffee County Crime Stoppers at 719-539-5299.