Seven Gruesome Colorado Stories that Took Place During Winter

From serial killers to cannibalism, these seven gruesome stories from Colorado’s past all took place during the winter.

Gruesome Colorado Stories from Winter: Serial Killer Alex Ewing

Our first story begins on January 10, 1984, when serial killer Alex Ewing claimed the life of 50-year-old Lakewood, Colorado resident Patricia Smith with a hammer. Six days later, Ewing would claim the lives of Bruce and Debra Bennett, as well as one of their young daughters.

Read More: The Disturbing Crimes Of Serial Killer Alex Ewing In Colorado

Gruesome Colorado Stories from Winter: Alan Lee Phillips

On January 6, 1982, Summit County miner Alan Lee Phillips picked up 21-year-old Annette Schnee in a major snowstorm, and she was never found again. Later, on the same day, Phillips picked up another woman, 29-year-old Bobbie Jo Oberholtzer, who was also never seen again.

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It was determined that both women were shot and killed, and Phillips would remain a free man until eventually being convicted in 2021.

Read More: How A 1982 Breckenridge Murder Case Was Solved After 40 Years

Gruesome Colorado Stories from Winter: Emma Crawford

Our next gruesome tale begins on December 4, 1891, when Colorado’s Emma Crawford passed away. Crawford was afraid of cemeteries and loved Red Mountain, so despite not obtaining the proper documentation, her husband buried her remains on the mountain.

However, the construction of the Manitou Incline would prompt him to move her body, which would later be found, along with her coffin, by a couple of young boys near Manitou Springs.

Crawford’s story inspired the Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Parade.

Read More: The Unforgettable Story of Colorado's Emma Crawford

Gruesome Colorado Stories from Winter: Stella Moore Smith Murder

On January 13, 1917, socialite Stella Newton Britton Moore would be unceremoniously greeted by her chauffeur-turned husband, John Smith, who was armed and drunk. It has been said that Smith was abusive, and after allegedly attacking Moore that day, the man would be shot twice, once in the mouth, by his wife, who would eventually be acquitted of murder charges.

Gruesome Colorado Stories from Winter: Alferd Packer

In the winter of 1873-1874, a group of prospectors would go on a treacherous journey across western Colorado in search of gold, but only one member of the group, a guide named Alferd Packer, would return.

After months of speculation, Packer admitted that the only reason he was able to survive was that he cannibalized the other members of the group.

Packer has been immortalized by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s college film titled ‘Cannibal! The Musical.’

Gruesome Colorado Stories from Winter: Ted Bundy pt. 1

On January 12, 1975, notorious serial killer Ted Bundy spread fear in Colorado after 23-year-old nurse Caryn Campbell disappeared from Snowmass Village. Her body would eventually be found a month later in bad shape, and Bundy would later be found to be responsible for her death.

Gruesome Colorado Stories from Winter: Ted Bundy pt. 2

On March 15 of the same year, Bundy would strike again, this time near Rifle, where he would kidnap and murder 26-year-old Vail ski instructor Julie Lyle. The story became even more gruesome when, after confessing to the murder, Bundy mentioned that he drove back to the site from Salt Lake City to visit the woman’s remains.