On Wednesday morning, Park County Sheriff Fred Wegener announced the death of a young adult female in a remote area of Park County which is "suspicious and is being investigated as a possible homicide."

At approximately 1:35 PM yesterday, Park County Dispatch received a report that a female party had radioed her co-worker for help. The two workers were performing field survey work in a remote area of San Isabel National Forest just west of U.S. Hwy 285 and about 2 miles north of Hwy 24 (locally known as the Pony Springs area). When the co-worker responded to the area, the victim could not be located and was reported missing. Deputies responded and began a search and rescue operation.

The search continued until 11:38 PM when Park County Search and Rescue personnel located the body of the victim. The cause of death has not yet been determined but is being treated as a homicide. Park County Detectives, the County Coroner, and forensic investigators from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation responded and are continuing their investigation at this time. A 'person of interest', who apparently was camping in the area, is being question by investigators as well. The identity of the victim has not yet been confirmed.

Sheriff Wegener plans to conduct a news conference at 3:00 PM today at the Park County Offices in Bailey, located at 59865 U.S. Hwy 285, to provide updated information.

Update: Further details released

According to Park County Coroner Sharon Morris, the victim is identified as 24-year-old Alyssa Heberton Morimoto of Denver who was working as an intern with the Colorado Geological Survey. An autopsy will be performed later this week.

Update 06/28/07: Suspect identified, arraigned

The suspect in custody in this case has been identified from a Kansas Driver's license, according to a press release from the Park County Sheriff's Office. Robert R. Amos was arraigned in Park County Court on Wednesday and bail was set at $800,000.00. The charge is first degree murder in the death of Alyssa Heberton-Morimoto.

Other sources state that Amos is 44 years of age. (Unconfirmed)

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Park County Sheriff's Office continue to cooperate in the ongoing investigation. They express confidence that there were no other individuals involved in this case.

Anyone who might have information concerning this case is urged to contact the Park County Sheriff's Office at 719-836-2494.

Update 06/29/07: Autopsy reveals cause of death

Following an autopsy on Friday morning, June 29th, Park County Coroner Sharon Morris released the cause of death as asphyxiation due to strangulation with a belt ligature. No further details are immediately available.

Further background on suspect: http://test.denverpost.com/ci_6246081