Homicide victim found wrapped in tarp in Wyoming is identified

ALBANY COUNTY, Wyo. (TCN) -- Investigators recently identified a homicide victim from Colorado whose remains were found in a recreational area earlier this month.

On the evening of July 4, the Albany County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a deceased individual found near Mirror Lake. According to deputies, the victim had been wrapped in a tarp, and his remains were submitted to the Larimer County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy.

Investigators were unable to immediately identify the victim. The man didn’t have any identifiable markings, and he became a John Doe. However, the sheriff’s office said authorities determined he was an elderly man, and they ruled his death a homicide. Officials did not provide further details on how he died.

According to the sheriff’s office, detectives analyzed John Doe’s fingerprints, DNA, and dental records, and compared them to missing person reports in hopes of identifying the victim. On July 25, the sheriff’s office announced the identity of John Doe as 56-year-old James Bitner of Blackhawk, Colorado. Albany County Sheriff Aaron Appelhans told the Cowboy State Daily that Bitner was identified by his fingerprints.

Authorities have not announced any possible suspects in Bitner’s death.

In a statement, deputies said, "The Albany County Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to resolving this case and providing closure to the affected family."

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