Weld County, CO – Investigators are renewing efforts to gather information in the decades-old death of a Colorado woman whose case continues to raise unanswered questions nearly 40 years later.
According to the Weld County Sheriff’s Office, 22-year-old Robin Denise Nelson disappeared after leaving her son in the care of a friend in Denver on June 7, 1988. When Nelson failed to return for her child, the friend contacted the Denver Police Department.
Authorities said Nelson’s body was discovered on June 12, 1988, near Weld County Road 8 and the Interstate 25 West Frontage Road near Dacono. Investigators initially were unable to identify the remains because of the advanced state of decomposition.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation identified the victim as Nelson on June 14, 1988, according to the sheriff’s office.
While the Weld County Coroner ultimately ruled Nelson’s death was caused by a drug overdose, investigators say suspicious circumstances surrounding the case remain unresolved.
The sheriff’s office noted that an investigation into Nelson’s activities before her death did not identify any potential suspects. Authorities also said Nelson was acquainted with Tammy Lynn Cheeks, another woman whose disappearance and death remain part of an open cold case investigation in Weld County.
Investigators are now asking anyone who may have information about Nelson’s death to come forward, even if they believe the information may be minor.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Weld County Sheriff’s Office at 970-350-9600, call the tip line at 970-304-6464, or email CrimeTips@weld.gov.
Officials hope renewed public awareness could help provide answers in a case that has remained unresolved since 1988.
