The death of 13-year-old Dylan Redwine is now considered a homicide, and his father is a person of interest in the case, law enforcement officials said Wednesday.
Redwine went missing in November 2012 while at his father’s home in La Plata County, where he was visiting as part of a court-ordered visitation. His cause of death initially had been classified as undetermined.
In a news release, the sheriff’s office said Mark Redwine, Dylan’s father, is a person of interest based on evidence collected, inconsistent statements made and his behavior throughout the investigation.
Dylan’s remains were discovered in June 2013 in the Middle Mountain area. Officials said early last month that they had identified a person of interest, but did not identify that person.
Mark Redwine told The Denver Post at that time that he thought the person might be him. He could not be reached Wednesday for comment.
Former FBI profiler Pete Klismet, who is assisting La Plata County investigators said Wednesday: “Based on my involvement in the investigation, I am in complete agreement with the naming of Mr. Redwine as a person of interest.”
Redwine’s attorney, Christian Hatfield, told the Colorado Springs Gazette: “If they had any evidence we would have a suspect, and not a person of interest.”
Another search of that area where the remains were found is planned for early- or mid-September, the sheriff’s office said.
As part of the investigation, Dylan’s mother, Elaine Hall, her son Cory Redwine, and Elaine’s husband, Mike Hall were cleared of any involvement in the disappearance and death.
Elaine Hall has filed a “wrongful death” suit in La Plata County that names Mark Redwine a defendant.
A motion to dismiss was filed July 22 in the civil case, that motion was denied Wednesday, said Amber Harrison, Elaine Hall’s attorney in the civil suit.
The civil suit and the sheriff’s office investigation are separate, Harrison said, and recent developments are coincidental. The civil case is ongoing, and a trial date has not been set.
“Law enforcement has conducted their investigation and determined it’s the appropriate time naming a person of interest,” Harrison said. “Naming a person of interest is not arresting a person, I think we are a long way to the next step.”
The sheriff’s office is asking that anyone who might have any information that could help in their investigation of Dylan’s disappearance and death to call their hotline: (970) 382-7511.
