Remains Tentatively Identified as Paige Birgfeld's

Forensic odontology has been used to tentatively identify the remains found in Delta Tuesday as belonging to Paige Birgfeld of Grand Junction. A DNA comparison will be requested through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to confirm these results.

The skeletal remains were found in the Wells Gulch area north of Delta by hikers. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the Delta County Coroner?s Office, the Mesa County Coroner?s Office, and the Mesa County Sheriff?s Office all responded.

The remains may be forwarded to a forensic anthropologist in an attempt to identify any evidence of trauma.

Other personal items were found along with the remains and will be considered for DNA testing based on past successes with trace evidence. Paige Birgfeld was reported missing in a 2007 Mesa County Sheriff?s Office Investigation that has since been classified as a homicide.

The Mesa County District Attorney?s Office continues to be informed of developments in this case as they occur. Investigators are continuing to search the Wells Gulch area for any clues that would show how the body arrived in the area or any clues as to how Paige Birgfeld died.