Denver police cordoned off the 200 block of Walnut Street on Wednesday evening after officers found a person dead outdoors and opened an outdoor death investigation. Authorities have not released the victim’s name or explained the circumstances of the discovery while investigators work the scene and speak with witnesses. Officials said the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death, and that the department will only share further public updates if the case is reclassified as a homicide.
What Police Are Saying So Far
Denver Police shared an alert on its social feed flagging the investigation in the 200 block of Walnut Street, according to the Denver Police Dept.. The post notes that the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death and adds that the department "will only update this post if the status of the investigation changes to a homicide." The initial alert does not include details about when the person was found or what investigators believe led up to the discovery.
Role Of The Medical Examiner
The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner investigates violent, suspicious and unexpected deaths and will conduct the postmortem examination in this case to determine cause and manner of death, per the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner. Results can take days or weeks, depending on what testing is needed, and the office typically releases its findings after pathology and laboratory work are completed.
Fits A Pattern Of Brief Early Alerts
Short status posts like this are a routine way for DPD to flag active death investigations to the public while more information is pending, and local outlets often amplify those early notices as they wait on medical examiner findings. For instance, the Denver Gazette and Hoodline coverage of a mystery death on East Colfax has highlighted similar "outdoor death" alerts from the department.
How To Share Information With Investigators
Anyone who was in the area of Walnut Street or has information that could help the investigation is asked to contact the police. The department’s social profile notes that it is not monitored around the clock and directs residents to call 720-913-2000 for police services or call or text 911 for emergencies, according to the Denver Police Dept.. Those who want to share tips anonymously can reach out to Crime Stoppers with any information they believe might be relevant.
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