Amy Ahonen, Missing Since 2011, Found Dead

Denver, Co. Amy Ahonen may have been found dead, if DNA collected from the remains of a female who perished in Clear Creek County turn out to belong to the missing woman.  Denver Police say there is a "possible" chance, according to reports in the Denver Post.

The last time anyone saw Amy was on July 8th, 2011.  That was the day before her 38th birthday.  Her jeep Liberty was found abandoned in Clear Creek Canyon in Jefferson County, near U.S. 6.

On the find Amy page on face book this message was posted:

"Today is a sad day, as we are relieved to finally have some closure regarding Amy, however it is hard news to bear. We thought it only fair to share the news with all of you, friends and family both, that have shared in this heartbreaking journey these last few years. Some remains that were found have been confirmed to be those of our beloved Amy. That is all the information we have at this time."

According to Fox News, a hiker found a bone while trekking through the Clear Creak area.  He turned the bone into the Westminster Police Department.  Independently, a bone was found and turned over to the Adams County Sheriff's Office.  Both the Adam's County and the University of Texas tested fragments for a possible DNA match.  Both labs agreed, the remains belong to Ahonen, Fox News claims.  

It is easy to speculate about the fate of Ahonen.  However, at this point, no one has an answer.  Her car was left unlocked and her purse was inside the car.  A strange man applied as a roommate through Craigslist before Ahonen disappeared. He was reportedly so creepy, the ad was taken down.

Apparently Ahonen was concerned, according to Fox.  Shortly before she disappeared, she called 911.  She told the operator she had broken down in Clear Creek and needed help.  A passerby saw the vehicle and called the State Patrol, as well.  However, when an officer arrived, Ahonen said she did not need help.

Colorado does not have an active Texas Equusearch chapter.  The non-profit Texas organization Marshall's manpower and resources to assist law enforcement in searching large areas.  When a person goes missing, like in the Ahonen case, a call out to members is made.  Working under law enforcement supervision, the searchers comb the area.  Sometimes high tech devices are used including drones and for persons lost near bodies of water, sonar.  

Texas Equusearch teams have found over 300 people alive who law enforcement could not fine.  They have also found the remains of over 100 people.

Disabled Man's Family Calls Texas Equusearch

Intellectual Disability Hampers Search

Derivative from Fox News Photo

ORLANDO, FLORIDA, March 4th, 2013  A family desperate for the return of a loved one called in Texas Equusearch to help them locate a man who went missing in Ocklawaha.

Texas Equusearch, or TES as they call themselves, has chapters in multiple states and is credited with finding many people who law enforcement was unable to locate.  They are also credited with the location and recovery of bodies of people who have perished, which at least gives family members closure.  TES has been a key adviser in the search for the missing schooner, Nina.

Johnny Radabaugh, Jr., a 48 year old who suffers from mental slowing has not been seen for a week.  No evidence has been found to suggest he is not alive, except no one can find him.  Family members have faith and say Johnny is in the forest and alive.

Radabaugh is thought to have the mental capacity of a 3 to 6 year old child.  Therefore, his ability rescue himself is difficult.  However, just as society has struggled with terms to define people with mental impairment, often the person with mental slowing is able to cope in ways not expected.

As is typical, the local police force scaled back operations after they were unable to find Johnny.  The family decided to enlist the aid of TES to apply more resources to the search effort.  TES often works at the behest of law enforcement.  They offer man power, help organize a private search if necessary and help the families organize fund raising events when necessary.  TES is an all volunteer organization.  Funds are used to defray the hard costs of searching.

"They're going to be able to find him. No matter how our situation comes to an end. They're going to give us an end and that's why we called them," said Kim Radabaugh, Johnny's step mom.

The sheriff's office has agreed to help guide TES.  The new physical search could begin as early as March 5, 2013.  The family asks people in the area to watch for piles of rocks, sticks, aresol cans and other evidence Johnny passed through.

A portion of the information in this article was obtained from WCJB TV.