Denver Police Solve Four Related Cold Case Homicides That Occurred Between 1978 and 1981.
DNA Evidence and Genetic Genealogy Used to Identify the Suspect and Provide Answers to Victims’ Families
Denver – Friday, January 28, 2022 – The Denver Police Department and law enforcement partners today announced that through the continued determination of investigators, DNA evidence, investigative genetic genealogy and familial DNA search, the suspect in three Denver cold case homicides and an Adams County cold case homicide has been identified as Joe Michael Ervin (DOB: 6/25/51), who is deceased. The murders of three women and a teenage girl occurred in separate incidents between 1978 and 1981. The four cases were linked together and solved through several significant investigative developments beginning 35 years later.
“When the lives of our community members are tragically taken, we are committed to doing everything possible to identify and arrest the person responsible,” said Denver Chief of Police Paul Pazen. “While we recognize that identifying the suspect will not bring these ladies back, we hope it provides closure and healing for their loved ones and the Denver community.”
The Four Solved Cases
Madeleine Furey-Livaudais
Madeleine Furey-Livaudais, Denver, Colorado - December 7, 1978
Madeleine Furey-Livaudais, a 33-year-old wife and mother of two, was at her northeast Denver home when an unknown man came to her door and confronted her. The suspect then forced his way inside her home and stabbed her to death.
According to the Furey-Livaudais families, “Madeleine grew up in central Florida, one of five sisters, and was an avid swimmer, continuing to swim throughout her life. She attended high school in Florida and graduated from Tulane University. Prior to getting married, she led an adventurous life, traveling to Africa and Europe as part of her work as an editor on the beloved children’s magazine, Ranger Rick. Her greatest joys in life came after the birth of her two daughters, whom she cherished beyond anything. She was a loving wife and mother of two at the time of her death. The Livaudais and Furey families are grateful for receiving answers after all these years and express their gratitude for the continued work put in by all the individuals who ever worked to solve this case.” The family requests privacy as they process the news that they now know who was responsible for Madeleine’s death.
At the family’s request, Dolores Barajas’ photo was withheld
Dolores Barajas, Denver, Colorado - August 10, 1980
Dolores Barajas, 53 years-old, was attacked while walking to work, and was found fatally stabbed in the 500 block of E. 17th Avenue in Denver.
According to her family, Dolores Barajas was a wife, mother, grandmother, and a beloved part of a loving family. She had spent the summer of 1980 visiting family in Denver and working at a hotel downtown. That Sunday was to be her last day of work before returning to her home out of state. Her family expressed great appreciation for everyone’s efforts and determination in solving this case. Ms. Barajas’ family still miss her very much and requested privacy as they process the emotions brought on by the closure of the case.
Gwendolyn Harris
Gwendolyn Harris, Denver, Colorado - December 24, 1980
Gwendolyn Harris, 27 years-old, was found stabbed to death on the corner of E. 47thAvenue and Andrews Drive in Denver. She was last seen the night before at the Polo Club Lounge, which at the time was located in downtown Denver at the intersection of 15thStreet and Tremont Street. When the cold case investigation recently revealed the suspect’s identity, it was noted that Ms. Harris was found within a one-block vicinity of Joe Ervin’s residence at the time of the murder.
According to her family, Gwendolyn Denise Harris was a mother, sister, daughter, aunt, granddaughter, and niece. Gwen was a bright, soft spoken, athletic young woman who enjoyed life and always had a smile on her face. Her family states, “Because of the decision of another to take life with no regard, the 1980 murder of Gwendolyn Harris was devastating and unimaginable to the family. Gwen will forever be in our hearts and always our JOY.”
Antoinette Parks
Antoinette Parks, Adams County, Co - January 24, 1981
Antoinette Parks, 17 years-old, was found stabbed to death in the area of 64th Avenue and Broadway in Adams County. Ms. Parks was six to seven months pregnant at the time of her murder.
According to Antoinette Parks’ family, she was high school student who attended Gateway High School in Aurora. The youngest of six, she grew up in Denver with her family and loved to sing and listen to music. She was caring, determined and loved children. Children were drawn to Antoinette and, and it was a safe bet that when she watched a family member’s child, it would be hard to get the child away from Antoinette. Her family speculates that she would have gone into the careers of childcare or education. Even though she was young, she was looking forward to having her own children. Antoinette is still deeply missed and loved by those in her family.
The Suspect’s Death and His Arrest for the Murder of An Aurora Police Officer
On July 1, 1981, Joe Ervin committed suicide in the Adams County Detention Center while in custody for the murder of Aurora Police Officer Debra Sue Corr.
Aurora Police Officer Debra Sue Corr
Aurora Police Officer Debra Sue Corr, Aurora, Co - June 27, 1981
Officer Corr was patrolling alone on June 27, 1981, when she contacted Joe Ervin for a traffic violation in the area of E. Colfax Ave. and Moline Street. Ervin broke free as she attempted to arrest and handcuff him. Ervin then took Corr's weapon and shot her. As this was happening, Aurora Police Explorer Scout Glen Spies was passing by and tried to intervene. Spies was shot in the back but survived. Ervin was arrested at his home in Aurora as he tried to saw the handcuffs from his wrist. Officer Corr was the first Aurora Police officer killed in the line of duty and she was married to a Denver Police officer at the time of her murder.
Recent Investigative Milestones
Since these murders occurred more than 40 years ago, the Denver Police Crime Laboratory has continually worked on these cases and applied emerging technologies and/or methods that presented opportunities to develop new leads and advance the investigations. The following is a chronology of the significant developments in the investigations:
Between 2013 and 2018, these four cases were linked together by DNA evidence, and three separate searches for familial links in Colorado occurred during this time.
The Denver Police Crime Laboratory began in-house Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) work in 2019, which led to a positive ancestry link to Texas.
A familial search was conducted in Texas in the summer of 2021, which resulted in the identification of a close biological relative of the yet unidentified suspect.
Investigators identified Joe Ervin as a potential suspect, and an exhumation of his remains was conducted in Texas in late 2021 to obtain DNA samples for direct comparison to the crime scene evidence.
The identity of Joe Ervin as the suspect in these four related murders was confirmed through DNA analysis in January of 2022.
“In some cold cases, the passage of years and decades makes solving cases more difficult, but where DNA evidence exists, the evolution of science and technology has made it possible to identify perpetrators, seek justice for victims and provide answers to victims’ loved ones,” said Dr. Greggory LaBerge, Director of the Denver Police Forensics and Evidence Division.
Background on Denver’s Cold Case Initiatives and Grant Funding
The final identification of the suspect in these four murders through Investigative Genetic Genealogy and familial DNA research was a result of Denver’s Integrated Cold Case Project. This project is funded in part through a 2020 Genetic Genealogy & Familial Match Searching grant, awarded to the Denver Police Department by the Bureau of Justice Assistance for a total of $470,000.
The successful model of Denver’s Integrated Cold Case Project, which launched in 2004 as a partnership between the Denver Police Cold Case Unit, Denver Police Crime Laboratory, and Denver District Attorney’s Office has produced unprecedented results for a jurisdiction its size, including:
DNA analysis of more than 1,120 cases
A Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) hit rate of 50%
Filing of 130 criminal cases and adjudication of 126 cases
Since 2004, Denver’s Integrated Cold Case Project has received more than $4.2 Million in grant funding from the National Institute of Justice, allowing the partners to dedicate additional resources to solving Denver’s cold cases.
In addition to the funding provided by the 2020 Genetic Genealogy & Familial Match Searching grant, Metro Denver Crime Stoppers and its Board of Directors generously provided $5,000 in funding to the Denver Police Department for testing and research related to five separate cold case offender profiles, including Joe Ervin. Overall, Metro Denver Crime Stoppers has provided regional law enforcement agencies with a total of $41,000 in grant funding to date for 16 cases involving at least 17 victims, which has contributed to successful outcomes.
Call to Action
The community is one of the greatest resources for solving homicide cases and other crimes. Anyone who witnessed or has information regarding an unsolved homicide – whether cold case or recent – is encouraged to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867) to provide tips. Tipsters can remain anonymous, could be eligible for a monetary award, and cold help to provide justice for victims and answers for grieving family members.
Acknowledgements
The Denver Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to the individuals and partner agencies listed below, which contributed to the successful identification of the suspect in these four murder cases, as well as all the DPD officers, investigators, and Crime Laboratory personnel, members of the Adams County Sheriff’s Department, and Denver District Attorney’s Office staff who committed countless hours of work toward the successful closure of these cases over the past 40-plus years.
Denver Police Department Crime Laboratory Forensic Biology/DNA Unit
Denver Police Cold Case Unit
Denver District Attorney’s Office
Adams County Sheriff’s Office
Aurora Police Department
Colorado Bureau of Investigations
Federal Bureau of Investigation – Denver Division
Metro Denver Crime Stoppers
Texas Department of Public Safety
Texas Rangers
Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department (Texas)
University of North Texas Forensic Center for Human Identification
U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Denver Field Division
Emriel "Little M" Krantz Homicide (June 2021)
Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers immediately: 720-913-7867.
Tips can also be submitted online.
To be eligible for the reward and to remain anonymous, tipsters must call the tip line or submit a tip online. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 in this case. The tip line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Aggravated Assault to an At-Risk Adult (Aug 2020)
STORY BY DEBORAH TAKAHARA - KDVR/KWGN (2:18 PM, SEPT 1, 2020)
DENVER (KDVR) – Denver police have released a sketch of a man they say attacked 87-year-old woman near North Uvalda Street and East Randolph Place in northeast Denver last month.
Det. Ken Klaus is with the Denver Police Department’s Special Victims Unit.
“I am passionate about helping elders. And in this case — an elder hurt the way she was — I am scared another one will come along. So the quicker I can take this person off the streets, the safer that community becomes,” he said.
The attack occurred just after 8 p.m. on Aug. 18. The woman was beaten and suffered serious injuries but survived.
“She’s a tough lady, because she is tough, I know she will get by this. We are working with her hand-in-hand to make sure everything we can do as a police department and community to help her get through this,” Klaus said.
The victim was able to provide a description of her attacker, and investigators were able to come up with a composite sketch. Detectives say he took off, possibly riding a bicycle.
The attacker is described as possibly Hispanic, in his 20s, with a medium to heavy build. He was wearing a T-shirt and gray shorts.
Neighbors are also taking extra precautions.
One woman told FOX31 and Channel 2 through a translator, “She’s worried. Before she would just leave this door open when she was alone. Now she has to close all the doors and windows. She’s scared that he could come back or someone else could come in and do the same thing they did to her.”
Residents and police would like the attacker to be identified and arrested before anyone else is hurt.
Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers immediately: 720-913-7867.
Tips can also be submitted online.
To be eligible for the reward and to remain anonymous, tipsters must call the tip line or submit a tip online. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a special reward of up to $5,000 in this case. The tip line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To watch KDVR’s story on this case, please visit our partners at Fox31-Denver/KDVR
Kalani Hayter Homicide (July 2020)
DENVER (KDVR) — The Denver Police Department are seeking information in the July 7 homicide of 20-year-old Kalani Hayter.
Hayter was discovered dead inside a red 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche on the 2500 block of West Eighth Avenue.
The vehicle had been stolen at gunpoint in Denver on the night of July 6.
The carjacking suspects are described as two Black males, in their late teens or early 20’s. They were wearing hooded sweatshirts at the time of the incident.
Metro Denver Crime Stoppers are offering a reward for up to $2,000 to anyone with information regarding the homicide and carjacking.
Call (720) 913-7867 – (720) 913-STOP. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers immediately: 720-913-7867.
Tips can also be submitted online.
To be eligible for the reward and to remain anonymous, tipsters must call the tip line or submit a tip online. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 in this case. The tip line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Original Story from KDVR by Keely Sudden - July 13, 2020
Alicia Marie Tverberg (Dec 2019)
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office needs your help in solving a homicide.
On December 26, 2019, at 6:50 p.m., 21-year-old Alicia Marie Tverberg was found deceased inside apartment #106 at 8770 Galen Court in Unincorporated Adams County. Alicia died of an apparent gunshot wound.
Anyone with any information concerning the incident is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
Call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers
(720) 913-7867 - (720) 913-STOP
Submit a tip online: https://www.metrodenvercrimestoppers.com/anonymous-tips
To be eligible for the award and to remain anonymous, tipsters must call the tip line or submit a tip online. Crime Stoppers collects information on unsolved crimes or individuals wanted by the police. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000. The tip line is answered 24 hours a day - 7 days a week.
Khobi Eiland (Sept 2018)
On Friday, September 7, 2018, at approximately 5:00 p.m., a young man was shot on E. 29th Ave., between Forest and Glencoe Streets in Denver, Colorado. Unfortunately, he could not be resuscitated and was pronounced deceased on scene. The victim was identified as Khobi Eiland. Mr. Eiland lived in the Park Hill neighborhood. At the time he was shot, Mr. Eiland was wearing a black zip-up hoodie, grey jeans and white tennis shoes.
If you have information on this case, please call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP - remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00!
Kevin Garcia (Mar 2018)
The Denver Police Department is looking for the individual(s) responsible for the murder of 40-year-old Kevin Garcia. Mr. Garcia was shot and killed at 633 North Lipan Street on March 21, 2018, at approximately 8:00 p.m.
If you have information on this case, please call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP - remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00!
Ijah Hamilton (Nov 2016)
On Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 7:42 pm, 17-year-old Ijah Hamilton was in a vehicle with another male. They were stopped at the stop sign at E. Thrill Place and N. Forest Street in Denver when more than one suspect approached their vehicle and fired numerous shots at the victims. Mr. Hamilton was killed, and the other male on the vehicle was hit but survived.
If you have information on this case, please call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP - remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00!
Deonta McDonald (Oct 2016)
On October 12th, 2016, at approximately 1:00 am, Deonta McDonald, only 19 years old, was shot in the 1300 block of S. Birch St. in Denver. He was transported to the hospital where he later died. Deonta was known to go by the nicknames of “D” and “Slim”.
Deonta was described by friends and family as a natural leader, very well respected in the community, with a great sense of humor and an optimistic outlook on life.
If you have information on this case, please call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP - remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00!
Scott Breitinger (Apr 2016)
On April 3, 2016 at approximately 12:42 p.m. officers were dispatched to the alley of 3219 West Nevada Place in Denver on a report of shots fired. Upon arrival officers located Scott Breitinger, age 49, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to the hospital and pronounced deceased a short time later.
If you have information on this case, please call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP - remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00!
Jevon Bailey (Dec 2015)
On December 22, 2015 at 10:42 a.m. in broad daylight, Jevon A. Bailey, age 23, was shot and killed at E. Iliff Ave. and S. Warren Dr. after an apparent road rage incident. Jevon was driving a blue Volkswagen Passat and the suspect, a lone black male, was driving a white sedan (unknown make or model). After a road rage incident ensued, the unknown black male suspect shot Jevon in the head, killing him. Many questions remained unanswered in this investigations and the Aurora Police Department is hopeful that someone has information about this incident.
If you have information on this case, please call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP - remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00!
Dillion Leo Bueno (Oct 2015)
The below story is courtesy of KDVR - Fox31- Denver
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. -- A Commerce City family is pleading for help finding the people who killed their son on Halloween night in 2015.
Investigators are still searching for answers in the murder of 24-year-old Dillon Bueno. He was gunned down in his family’s driveway.
“It gets harder the longer time goes by. It gets harder for us to be without him," said Lucy Bueno, Dillon's mother.
Leo Bueno said his son had gone to his car to get more candy for trick-or-treaters.
"I just heard two loud pops. The little girl with him came running in. He got shot. He passed away in my arms. I should say our arms," Leo said.
Part of the couple's pain is not knowing who killed their son. Adams County investigators initially said they were looking for three men who were wearing black hoodies and skeleton masks covering most of their faces.
“It's just been hard dealing with it, wondering why. For what? They didn't take nothing of his," Lucy said.
Dillon's family says any piece of information is important, no matter how insignificant one may think it is. They say someone knows something.
“People hopefully start talking about it. It's just waiting and wondering not knowing. That's the worst. Trying to get justice for him. He didn't deserve what happened to him," Lucy said.
The couple says it would mean the world to them for someone to come forward and help.
“If anyone knows anything, please come forward because it's just tearing us apart. Not a day goes by we don't have a thought of him," Leo said.
To read the full story and watch the video, please visit Fox31 - Denver/KDVR
If you have information on this case, please call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP - remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00!
Lucas Mendoza-Barrera (Mar 2015)
On March 17, 2015 between 2:10 p.m. and 4:20 p.m., unknown suspect(s) entered a single family residence located at 7337 Bradburn Blvd. in Westminster through what was believed to be the rear entrance door. The residence housed five family members. The lone occupant of the residence on this date was victim Lucas Mendoza-Barrera. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his body and face, and a possible stab wound to the head.
During the investigation, DNA buccal swabs were obtained from a number of individuals with consent during interviews for comparison. There were no matches found. Video surveillance was collected from two sources showing two individuals, possibly older juveniles, coming and going near the residence that afternoon. Video clips were released and are included in the comment section of this post (please note that the date and time stamp are incorrect on the footage).
The following are basic descriptions of the two individuals seen in the area at the time of the crime:
#1 - White or Hispanic male; 5’6-5’9”; thinner build, longer legs, dark colored (possibly black) vest with white shirt or white hoodie, possibly a jacket black with white sleeves. Red tennis shoes. Darker, short hair.
#2 - White or Hispanic male, 5’8”-5’9’; medium build, dark colored pants, dark colored hoodie with a lighter blue or jean jacket over, possibly Nike tennis shoes, unknown color.
They are possibly younger adults/teens due to behavior and dress, though this is only a possibility, not a fact at this time. We do not have information on an associated vehicle.
If you have information on this case, please call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP - remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00!
Terrell Ephriam (Feb 2014)
Terrell Ephriam was only 20 years old when he was murdered in Aurora, Colorado. He was found stabbed to death at the Sand Creek Greenway Open Space (near East 28th Avenue and Wheeling Street) on the afternoon of February 26th, 2014. No suspects have been identified and no arrests have been made.
If you have information on this case, please call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP - remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00!
Rae Lynn & Fabian Gonzales (Jan 2014)
An unnerving double homicide occurred in unincorporated Adams County on January 3rd, 2014 between 4:30pm and 8:00pm at 2812 W. 66th Pl. #4. The two victims are pictured: 50 year old Rae Lynn Gonzales and 18 month old Fabian Gonzales. Both were stabbed inside their apartment.
If you have information on this case, please call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP - remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00!
Shaquille Hargrove (Jul 2013)
On July 13th, 2013, just after 2:00 a.m., officers were breaking up a fight in the area of 15th Street and Market Street in Denver when they heard a gunshot. They found the victim, Shaquille Hargrove, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to the hospital where he died as a result of his injuries.
Airman 1st Class Hargrove was an active member of the United States Air Force at the time of his death, serving as a 2nd Space Warning Squadron satellite systems operator at Buckley Air Force Base.
If you have information on this case, please call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP - remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00!
Chantila Wooten (Oct 2010)
Chantila Wooten was only 24 years old when she was viciously murdered in Aurora, Colorado. On October 8th, 2010 at approximately 3:25 PM the Aurora Police Department responded to 1931 Clinton Street #4, Aurora, CO 80010 on a report of a possible homicide. On arrival, officers located the victim inside her apartment and determined that she had been viciously attacked and murdered. The victim was identified as Chantila “Tila” Wooten who was only 24 years of age at the time of this crime. The victim had only been living at the location for about a month at the time of her death.
If you have information on this case, please call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP - remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00!
Catrina Powell (Oct 2004)
On Oct. 25, 2004 at 6:49 a.m. Westminster police found the body of a nude female lying on the pavement near a dumpster at 7530 Sheridan Blvd. The victim’s hands had been cut off. She was later identified as Catrina Renee Powell (date of birth 8/21/78). Catrina Powell had been arrested by the Denver Police Department on Oct. 22, 2004. Catrina was taken to jail and was last seen in the area of Colfax Avenue and Ogden Street on Oct. 24, 2004 at about 3 a.m. Catrina was possibly living on the streets of Denver at this time and was carrying a dark colored backpack.
If you have information on this case, please call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP - remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00!
Xavier Walker (Nov 2002)
On Wednesday, November 20, 2002, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Denver Police Officers responded to Falcon Park, located at Maxwell Place and Atchinson Way, on a report of a large gathering of individuals fighting, and subsequently a shooting as well. Upon their arrival, the Officers located two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to Denver Health Medical Center where Xavier Walker was pronounced deceased as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest. The second victim survived.
If you have information on this case, please call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP - remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00!
John Miller (Jan 2002)
The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office needs your help in solving a homicide.
On January 15, 2002, early in the morning, a citizen discovered John Miller, a hardworking husband and father of two, lying on the concrete parking area of the Iliff Turbo Car Wash. John’s injuries, later determined to be caused by blunt impact trauma to his head, the freezing temperature outside, and the extended period of time he lay face-down, bleeding, on the cold concrete before being discovered, ultimately proved fatal. Despite emergency surgery and all-out efforts to save his life, John died ten days later on January 25, 2002. Witness reports indicated Miller and a Hispanic male were involved in a “road rage” incident, where an argument ensued and they followed each other to the Iliff car wash. Miller’s vehicle, a 1981 Ford van, and a car were seen pulling into the car wash lot. Both males exited their vehicles and engaged in a confrontation. Investigative leads in this case have proven solid; however, certain questions remain unanswered in John Miller’s pointless death.
Anyone with any information concerning the incident is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
Call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers
(720) 913-7867 - (720) 913-STOP
Submit a tip online: https://www.metrodenvercrimestoppers.com/anonymous-tips
To be eligible for the award and to remain anonymous, tipsters must call the tip line or submit a tip online. Crime Stoppers collects information on unsolved crimes or individuals wanted by the police. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000. The tip line is answered 24 hours a day - 7 days a week.