In years past, the Colorado Bureau of Investigations has held a Colorado Missing Persons Day event to honor those missing in the state. While the event is virtual this year, CBI said they are still honoring more than 600 people who have been missing for more than a year in the state.
In total, 1,300 people are missing in Colorado and of those, about 600 have been missing for more than a year as of Jan. 31, 2021.
Family and friends are welcome to visit CBI's website to share a tribute about their missing loved one on the Colorado Missing Persons Day Memoriam page.
Missing Persons Day in Colorado was started by Laura Saxton, the mother of Kelsey Schelling. It marks the anniversary of her daughter’s disappearance and acts as a way to remember all of the missing people in the state. Donthe Lucas is currently on trial for the alleged murder of Schelling.
Typically, she and other families of missing persons gather at the state Capitol, but they are unable to host the even in person this year because of COVID-19.
CBI Director John Camper said he's disappointed the pandemic impacted this year's plans for Colorado Missing Persons Day.
“While we cannot gather in person, it’s important to remember that we at the CBI never forget the struggles of the families of the missing," he said. "Marshalling our resources and those of our partner agencies to seek new leads is a top priority to shed new light on these critical cases.”
CBI also released a video that includes a list of the individuals who have been missing for more than one year. That list is also available here and below.
People missing for more than a year in Colorado as of Jan. 31, 2021 (CBI) by Denver7 on Scribd
Family and friends needing extra support during this time can call a CBI victim advocate at 303-239-4649.