On Nov. 2, 2024, and in the following days, the community of Carbondale experienced collective shock after an elderly woman was attacked in her own home. Concerns in Carbondale and neighboring communities began as online chatter before an official announcement from the Carbondale Police Department (CPD) was made, which prompted further community response. This was followed by a quickly-scheduled community meeting at the Old Thompson Barn on Nov. 4, where nearly 300 people attended physically and another 500 via Zoom, for CPD to update residents and ask for help locating a suspect.
The crime occurred near the Rio Grande Trail, 8th Street, Painted Lady Lane and Wheel Circle. During the community meeting and in an email press release sent as the meeting began, CPD requested Ring Doorbell and other home security footage, as well as reports of anything out of the ordinary, between 5 and 8pm on Nov. 2. No further information has been made public, and no arrests have been made.
According to Police Chief Kirk Wilson, the investigation remains active and ongoing. “Unfortunately, there is precedent locally and nationally for sex assault cases unsolved, especially when there is limited information.” Wilson admitted. “I can’t say [what factors are inhibiting this case] due to it being under investigation and a confidential case per statute.” Even when no longer under investigation, sex assault cases remain confidential under the Colorado Open Records Act. “In some cases, we are able to provide information if an arrest is made,” Wilson stated.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is aiding this investigation and has been involved since the beginning, processing DNA evidence collected immediately after the attack. According to Wilson, officers collected a “tremendous amount of physical evidence.” CBI is testing to determine if the DNA matches a profile in the CBI database. “The evidence submitted to the CBI is taking longer than expected,” Wilson said. “CBI Forensic Services handles a multitude of evidence for the entire state.”
Forensic DNA samples collected from crime scenes can be compared with profiles in state and national systems. “At this time, the evidence collected can only be cross-checked with side-by-side comparison,” Wilson explained. “That may change depending on CBI’s laboratory findings.”
The alleged assailant was described as a male in his 30s wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. At the time, he was not considered a present and ongoing threat to the community at large. This description, coupled with a general lack of information, has left many worrying and wondering for the past six months. While there is nothing new to share at this time, CPD still doesn’t consider the suspect an active threat. Wilson assured that CPD remains on alert and ready to continue the investigation based on any new information that may come forward.
He encourages the community to follow safety tips outlined in the press release regarding the crime: 1. Be aware of one’s surroundings, especially when alone or in unfamiliar areas; 2. Consider using a buddy system or notifying friends or family when you’re out to remain connected, especially if returning home late or walking alone; 3. Choose well-lit, populated paths whenever possible; 4. Always lock doors and windows at home and in your vehicle; 5. Report suspicious activity to the police.
According to Wilson, the survivor of the attack continues to be supported by her friends, family, community members and victim advocates. If and when additional information can be made public, CPD will release a formal statement.
“We want victims and survivors of any kind of criminal act to know that they are not alone, that they will be treated with compassion and dignity and that their cases will be handled with care and professionalism,” Wilson concluded. “Our commitment is to protect victims, uphold justice and support healing.”
If you have any information or evidence that could aid in this investigation, please contact CPD at 970-963-2662.