ALAMOSA COUNTY, Colo. — The body of a missing Colorado woman was discovered over the weekend buried in a remote area of the state, authorities said.
Cheyenne Goins, 21, was reported missing by her family Aug. 12. Her body was found in a secretly hidden grave in Alamosa County, about 225 miles southwest of Denver.
Although the manner of death was not released, the coroner ruled the case a homicide, Fox News reported.
“Goins death was ruled a homicide by the El Paso County Coroner; however, the manner of death is not being released, as that information is a key component of the investigation,” Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Law enforcement authorities did not reveal what led them to the clandestine location on Saturday.
Cheyenne Goins was reported missing by her family on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021.https://t.co/tpaKDzTYYe
— FOX21 News (@FOX21News) August 25, 2021
Lucas Antonio Salas Jr., 33, was one of several people last seen with Goins. As a result, investigators were looking into his connection to the woman in regards to her disappearance.
Northglenn officers tried to contact Salas on Wednesday, Aug. 18, about 11:30 a.m. in Thornton–approximately 15 miles north of downtown Denver. The man fled in a vehicle and traveled northbound on Washington Street before stopping on the side of the road at 136th Avenue at the Thorncreek Golf Course, KDVR reported.
“The suspect produced a firearm and shots were exchanged. The suspect was struck by gunfire and was transported to a local area hospital where he was pronounced dead,” police said in a press release.
Thus far, detectives have not connected Salas to the Goins homicide, according to the sheriff’s office. As of Wednesday, no arrests have been made in the case.
The Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado Bureau of Investigation are involved in Goins’ homicide case.
