On May 16, 1998 a man’s body was found in a rural area of Weld County, Colorado. He remained unidentified until June 2005, when improvements in fingerprint technology allowed investigators to confirm him as Ruben Ortiz-Gutierrez, a 30-year-old White man and Denver resident. His death was ruled a homicide.

Investigators have explored multiple leads over the years, including possible links to individuals involved in drug trafficking from Mexico, but no definitive suspects have been publicly named and no arrests have been made. The Weld County Sheriff’s Office describes the case as cold but open, and periodically renews appeals to the public for information.

If anyone has information about Ruben Ortiz-Gutierrez, no matter how minor it seems, contact the Weld County Sheriff’s Office.