Douglas County – Authorities are working to identify the mangled body of a woman who was dragged for 1.2 miles behind a pickup so they can focus on the search for her killer.
“Once we’re able to identify the body, I don’t think it will be too long before we’re able to point in someone’s direction,” Douglas County Undersheriff Tony Spurlock said.
Douglas County Coroner Wes Riber said an autopsy is planned later this week, and he could not release information until then.
A dark line in the road was visible Monday from the entrance of Surrey Ridge subdivision, south of Lone Tree, to where the body was left in front of Sandy McNary’s driveway. Authorities shut down exit 191 on Interstate 25 while they combed the neighborhood for evidence.
A man who lives in the subdivision was driving about 2:40 a.m. when he spotted a fast-moving vehicle with its headlights off and dragging what turned out to be a body, authorities and neighbors said. The witness flashed his headlights, and the driver drove out of the subdivision, neighbors said.
McNary came out while investigators examined the scene and got within a few feet of the body. A bright-orange towrope, no longer than 5 feet, was wrapped around the woman’s head or neck. There was nothing left of her face, McNary said.
“You could just barely make out that it was not an animal that had been dragged,” McNary said. “I just hope that she had been dead before she was dragged.”
Sheriff’s Lt. Kim Castellano released no information on how the woman died and declined to comment on the condition of the body.
The victim was described as an adult woman, possibly Caucasian, Hispanic or Native American, about 5 feet tall with a stocky build, with light-colored eyes, possibly hazel, and red or auburn hair, possibly dyed, that was tied into a ponytail.
A picture of a couple was found near the body, Castellano said, but investigators are unsure whether it’s related.
“Today was like waking up to some kind of weird nightmare,” said Nancy Foley, whose home is along the path the body was dragged. “It’s dark on the pavement, but it’s red on the yellow lines where you can tell it’s blood. How could someone do this to another human being?”
Castellano said investigators have no indication that the victim – or any potential suspects – are from the subdivision. Instead, she said, it is possible the victim’s body was dumped.
Anybody with information should call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at 303-660-7505.
Staff writer Manny Gonzales can be reached at 303-954-1537 or mgonzales@denverpost.com.
