Denver Post: Birgfeld-Mesa County War of Words Continues

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

The Denver Post reported today that the war of words between Paige's father and the law enforcement community in Mesa County are still trading strong language.

Paige Birgfeld's father in war of words with Mesa County over body

Frank Birgfeld would like Paige's remains released so the family can commit her body.

Law Enforcement sees the situation differently. In an email to Frank, the District Attorney said, "...the truth is that there is NO time or approximate time that your daughter's remains will be available to her family. As long as there is the potential for a criminal prosecution of the person or persons deemed responsible for Paige Birgfeld's death, it is absolutely impossible for the remains to be released."

It doesn't look like this is going to be settled anytime soon, either.

 

[pamperedlinda]

That is so sad for the family! I'd want the best for the investigation too, but it's been so long and it doesn't seem to be a top priority for law enforcement. I also wouldn't want my loved one's remains sitting in an evidence box in a shelf in a warehouse. Heart-breaking!

 

[esavvymom]

That doesnt seem right. Especially since the case is already so old and cold. I would be one thing if it was relatively recent.

If that was the way it was done, you would have lots of people's remains sitting in evidence waiting for prosecution all over the country! I find it hard to believe they cant release the body for burial. They get as much info and photos as they can, then release. Worse case scenario, they exhume the body later (if buried).

Sounds like a power trip to me.

 

[raebates]

So very sad.

 

[Sheila]

I agree, VERY sad. From the Law Enforcement side, I can see the reasoning behind it ... they can't allow the evidence to be altered in any way. Burial would introduce new contaminates (DNA of those who handled the remains in the burial process, possible new hair fibers of those same people, fibers from the coffin, new soil samples, etc. - or nothing if the family is wanting to cremate the remains). As heartbreaking as this must be for the family, it's the best case scenario for a conviction. Hopefully this is a sign that they are getting closer to an arrest and know that they will need the evidence for a conviction.