Cause Of Missing Mother's Death Remains Mystery
Custody Battle Looms Over DeWild Children
POSTED: 7:37 am MDT September 8, 2003
UPDATED: 5:38 pm MDT September 8, 2003
DENVER -- Authorities have identified a body found along a highway as that of an Edgewater mother missing since July, but haven't determined a cause of death.
Jefferson County Coroner Carl Blesch identified Heather DeWild through dental records. A state highway worker using a front-end loader on Highway 6 found the body Sept. 4 about 10 miles west of Golden in Clear Creek Canyon.
An autopsy was being conducted, but Blesch would not speculate as to when he would determine a cause of death. "There are lab tests that will take some time," he said. "It would be irresponsible for us to try to jump the gun on anything." DeWild, 30, disappeared from Edgewater after meeting with her estranged husband just days before their divorce was to become final. The cause and circumstances surrounding DeWild's death remain under investigation, Jefferson County sheriff's spokesman Jim Shires said. Police in Edgewater, a small suburb that borders Denver and Wheat Ridge, continue to investigate. DeWild's father, Denver police technician Dave Springer, said the confirmation brought the family some closure. "Part of this scenario is over with," Springer said. "It will still go on as to who and why and where. But at least we know where she is." A grand jury has also been looking into DeWild's disappearance. DeWild's 1996 Nissan Sentra was found Aug. 4 in the parking lot of a Wheat Ridge apartment complex after two residents saw it and called authorities. Her estranged husband, Daniel DeWild has previously given police permission to search his home and has met with investigators. Brian Smith, DeWild's brother-in-law and spokesman, said his family was notified about the identification about midnight Saturday. "Hopefully now the police can focus on finding Heather's killer," Smith said. "Our focus is on that, and raising the children." The DeWilds' children, Jacob and Hannah, have been living with Heather DeWild's parents, but Daniel DeWild is seeking custody.Smith told the Denver Post that his family planned to hire a private detective Monday to try and gain custody of the children.
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Heather's family searches for answers|
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Previous Stories:
- September 7, 2003: Buried Body Identified As Missing Mother
- September 5, 2003: Missing Mom's Family Waiting For ID Of Body
- September 4, 2003: Body Wrapped In Plastic Found In Shallow Grave
- August 5, 2003: Car Of Missing Mother Found In Wheat Ridge
- July 31, 2003: Police Search Husband's Home For Missing Woman
- July 25, 2003: Missing Woman Failed To Make Appointment
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