Jack Ducey was 35 when he was found shot to death in his north Denver home in November 1987. His body, discovered by family after they noticed piled newspapers and unanswered calls, was already decomposing and had likely been there since Halloween; rodents had disturbed the scene and blood had soaked into the carpet. Initial speculation of a natural death gave way after the coroner found multiple gunshot wounds.

Ducey lived in squalor despite family wealth and kept many animals and bars on all 32 windows, convinced he was being watched. Investigators reported that up to $40,000 in cash Ducey claimed to keep at home was missing, prompting a robbery motive. Detectives interviewed numerous associates; neighbors remembered two men described as dark Spanish guys who often visited to play pool and drink, and an old high school friend with a narcotics record was also investigated. The case went cold and no arrests have been made.