Human remains belonging to 55-year-old Edna Quintana were found by a hiker in a remote area of Saguache County on June 17. Quintana was first reported missing in early May 2023 while rock hunting on a county road.
Saguache County deputies returned to the scene alongside agents and crime scene analysts from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Two cadaver dog teams from Colorado Forensic Canines also took part in the recovery. After coordinated search was conducted, the remains were carefully recovered and transported to the El Paso County Coroner’s Office for examination.
The El Paso County Coroner’s office was able to confirm Quintana’s identity on June 25. Law enforcement have since made contact with Quintana’s family to inform them of the positive identification.
At this stage, CBI said, the cause of death remains under investigation. Autopsy results and forensic testing are still pending. The Saguache County Sheriff’s Office is working with CBI to determine the circumstances surrounding Quintana’s death.
The public is urged to contact the Saguache County Sheriff’s Office at 719-655-252 with any information regarding Quintana’s disappearance or death.