Husband Of Woman Found Dead Facing Forgery Charges

GOLDEN, Colo. -- A man whose missing wife was found dead along a highway last fall faces felony charges of forging his wife's name on two checks totaling about $16,300.

Investigators believe Daniel DeWild (pictured, left) endorsed the checks without Heather DeWild's approval, said Pam Russell, spokeswoman for the Jefferson County district attorney.

A check for $14,881 and another for $1,500 drawn on Heather DeWild's accounts were endorsed in 1999, according to court records.

DeWild is scheduled to appear in court June 14 to be advised of the two counts.

A family spokesman denied that DeWild signed checks without his wife's consent.

"Heather knew (about Daniel signing the checks) and couldn't be there to sign the checks" herself, said Brian Smith.

Smith said he believes the money was used for DeWild's business or during a tight financial situation.

DeWild was estranged from his wife when she disappeared last July, a week before the couple's divorce was final. Police said she disappeared after meeting with her husband at his Edgewater home.

DeWild told police his wife left their children with him while she went shopping.

Her body was discovered last September in a shallow grave along U.S. 6 west of Golden. The coroner has said it is impossible to determine how she died because her body was too decomposed.

Investigators have questioned Daniel DeWild and even searched his house twice after the discovery of his wife's body. Detectives gathered several boxes of evidence at his home, but never disclosed what they found inside.

While Daniel DeWild has never been named a suspect, police have been quick to point out that he has never been ruled out, either.

Dan Keough, interim chief of Edgewater police, told 7NEWS that the alleged forgery incident has little bearing on the homicide investigation but Daniel DeWild has still not been cleared in the investigation.

When asked if DeWild was cooperating with police, Keough said both DeWild and his twin brother have lawyers so the investigators are working through the attorneys.

A hearing is set for Monday on custody of the DeWilds' children. DeWild is seeking custody of the 4-year-old girl and 6-year-old boy, who have been staying with Heather DeWilds' parents in Arvada.