Twenty four year's old seems so young. It seems like an age when the average young girl has been out of college for a few years and has made the transition to the working world. Yet, it is still an age of exploration. This exploration helps young girls transition into women. Of course, Danice was forced to grow up fast and never really had the chance to find herself or explore much outside of Laramie and Colorado. She had her first child at 16 and then another a few years later. She didn't do much soul searching because she was a mom and there was no time. Of course, my family and I know this did not make her any less of a person, but she was unable to experience many of the things many girls her age do.
Danice had already done a lot of soul searching by the age of 19, when she disappeared. She had lived through a painful addiction and matured far beyond her years. Then again, she was always very mature because she became independent at a young age.
Danice's birthday is May 8th. In the past four and a half years, she could have done many things. She could have gone to college, she could have gotten rid of the bad men in her life, she could have given her kids many more hugs than she ever had a chance to in their short time with her. It is hard to think of what could have been, but as another year passes, those who loved her are forced to face a harsh reality. We probably won't celebrate another birthday with her and that does not get any easier. I wonder if the day will ever come when I will look at her picture and say, "I am at peace." I can sadly say that peace has not come in any form yet. I look at her picture daily and can still get choked up saying her name. The true blessing is, as many of you know, her daughter was born on the very same day.

Posted by jacqui at 07:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

It has been a whirlwind of emotions for my family and me the last few weeks. Although I have been updating everyone about what is going on, at the same time, I have been just as confused as everyone else. This scares me. As I spoke with some friends at dinner the other night, some of my thoughts came to light.
Last week, I was scheduled to appear on Nancy Grace, a CNN legal show. This is a show, I have, admittedly, never watched. I have heard about it, and I caught a glimpse of Nancy a few years ago on Court TV. When a representative from the show called on a Thursday night two weeks ago, I was ecstatic. Here it was, the chance to get some national media attention for Danice's case. We have waited for years to have this kind of attention.
The following Tuesday I was scheduled to go to the CNN building here in New York for a taping of the show to be aired that night. I had alerted all family and friends and they had alerted all their friends too. This was a big deal.
I took the day off work and was all dressed and ready to head for Columbus Circle when I received a call from the representative who said the interview would be postponed until that Thursday. All the nervousness for the interview diminished and I could put it off for another few days. Wednesday night I received word that the interview was not going to happen Thursday, but perhaps Friday. A few minutes later I was told the interview might take place the next week. Again, I was agreeable and willing to be very flexible if it meant some attention paid to the case.
Today, the final verdict is that the segment has been put on hold indefinitely. Again, I am accommodating to the schedule of the media and I understand that other stories that are more time sensitive come about every day. Then again, all this back and forth has given me time to think this over. In addition, talking to the sheriff has given me some perspective.
While I am driven by the cause, I am also forced to think back to a time in 2004. I went to Modesto, California for a vigil for families of missing persons courtesy of The Carole Sund/Carrington Foundation. I spoke to many families, most of whom had lost someone and never had any resolve to their whereabouts. It was a time of bitter emotions, but also a feeling of empathy for one another. I remember feeling very motivated after that weekend because I was able to truly feel the pain of loss without worrying feeling a lot of the pressures of everyday life occurrences that get in the way of being able to feel anything but stress.
Perhaps one of the more vivid recollections I have of that weekend is the image of Laci Peterson's parents. At that time, Scott Peterson was set to go on trial in a few weeks. I remember Laci's stepfather telling me that while he appreciates all the media attention Laci's case has gotten, it is also a tough call. Some of Laci's attention was definitely not the kind of attention a family wants for their murdered daughter. At that time, it was hard to turn on the television or look at the magazine rack without seeing Laci's face.
I have thought this over for a few days now. I have thought about the media and what their goals are. While I would say, for the most part, the media is on our side, it is a little scary to gain national attention. While families of missing persons yearn to get the word out and have their cases solved, there is a line between attention and exploitation. I would never want to exploit my sister or ruin any chances the sheriff's office has of being closer to solving the case. If Nancy Grace's representative should call again, I can only hope I can come to some sort of resolution in my head. To the casual observer, the easy question is "Why wouldn't you want to go on the show?" To the sister who wants to be extra careful in the way Danice is represented, there is no easy answer. Of course, this has been the problem for the past four years. The real question still remains, "What happened to Danice and why won't someone say something?" Still, as always, we love Danice and keep hope alive.

Posted by jacqui at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

By Rocky Mountain News
January 24, 2006
Rio Grande sheriff's deputies are looking at the possibility that a woman who has been missing for four years this month may have been buried in the Monte Vista area, according to a news report.

Sheriff's investigators were digging in an area of the town, according to a report from 9News on Monday. Monte Vista lies between Del Norte and Alamosa in southern Colorado.

Danice Day was 20 years old when she disappeared Jan. 9, 2002. Day's common-law husband, Victor Braun, notified authorities that Day was missing. He last saw Day before she went out to meet with friends. Day, who is the mother of two small children, never returned home.

Family members said they believe Day was a victim of foul play because she never would have left her children at home, according to 9News.

Day is 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs 105 pounds. She has blond hair and blue eyes. Her left eyebrow and ears are pierced.

Posted by jacqui at 09:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Courtesy of Alamosa Valley Courier Online Edition

DEL NORTE — Rio Grande County Sheriff Brian Norton issued a comment Tuesday afternoon about a recent investigation of pro-perty in Monte Vista.
His statement follows:
“The continuing investigation into the case of Danice Day, who has been missing since Jan. 9, 2002, has led us to 1820 Grande Avenue in Monte Vista. It used to be a gas station and was recently torn down.
“Through investigation, we believed there could be evidence or clues to Danice Day’s disappearance in that area.
“The site was mapped out and target areas were identified. Those areas were excavated through the weekend.
“There was a bone believed to be from a joint located in a grease line below the ground surface, along with other items of interest and those items will be sent to C.B.I. for testing.
“I will not comment on all the items found until the testing is complete. (Unknown time frame when the testing will be completed.)
“Several agencies were involved in this recent activity, such as the: Alamosa Sheriff’s Office, Monte Vista Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Necro Search from Denver, Office of the Attorney General and Division of Wildlife.
“Even though we will no longer be on Main Street in view of the public, the investigation continues at the same pace as you have seen over the past few days.
“There are other areas of interest that we will be looking at in regards to this case.
“Again, we are asking that anyone who may think they know something or have heard something, even if they feel that it may make no difference, are encouraged to call the Rio Grande Sheriff’s Office at 657-4000 and speak with Sheriff Brian Norton or Captain Jon Gonzales. You may also call the District Attorney’s Office at 589-3725 and speak with Investigator Shawn Woods.”

Send us your comments about this article.
I hope they find that the bone was Danice's. Her killer has been able to continue on with his life, while her parents sit waiting for someone to find her. Her killer has been able to raise her child and even have more, while the people who love her have to wonder if they will ever know what really happened to her.
Thank you for running the story about Danice Day. I first heard about the disappearance of Danice in 2002, when I was in Del Norte for a high school reunion. Danice's case, or the lack of action on it at that point, always bothered me greatly. This past Monday evening, Danice's disappearance was mentioned on Denver television, of all places! In Tuesday morning's Rocky Mountain News, there was a story of the still-missing Danice. It sparked my interest again and I "Googled" Danice and found a website about her. It was heart-breaking. I am so glad that The Valley Courier has printed a follow-up story that could possibly have a final resolution of the mystery of Danice's disappearance. Thank you very much, Valley Courier, and may those who were responsible for Danice's death be swiftly brought to justice! More than likely, one of them will take the coward's way out and he'll do himself in, leaving the other one to fry alone. It's only my Opinion. Thanks again, Courier, for writing about Danice Day. Danice is Never Forgotten and she shall be Forever Young!
Caroleena Klein
Have the last four years i have prayed for the family of Danise Day, that some day they would be able to find there loved one and put her to rest in a peaceful place where she deserves to be. I have prayed that here killers will finally be put where they belong!!!!!
ann
I hope her killers will soon be revealed and be fried for there crime . I can not see how a person can do what they did to this young lady,her family and her children and so far has gotten away with it WHAT WENT WRONG????? A message for the family, "you are in our prayers everyday we pray for you that god may help heal your hearts and that your daughter will soon find rest " We feel so deeply for all of you" A message to her killers "HOW CAN YOU LIVE WITH YOURSELF?? YOU TOOK A BEAUTIFUL PERSON FROM HERE FAMILY, HER CHILDREN ALL WAS LOST WHEN YOU DID THIS.WORSE OF ALL YOU ACT LIKE NOTHING EVER HAPPENED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!God have mercy on your souls!!!!I am also glad that sheriff Brian Norton is in charge of this investagtion, now something will get done!!
Jhon
When Danice first was reported missing, why was it not investigated like it should have been. Sheriff Norton found the people that killed Brad Metzger, why didn't Sheriff Medina find Danice Day's killer? was it because Sheriff Medina did not investigate the situation more closely. There are a lot of questions that have not been answered as to why Sheriff Medina did not do certain things about this case. I also hope that the bone(s) they found were that of Danice, so that her family can have some closure and Danice rest in peace.

Posted by jacqui at 09:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

New search for Monte Vista mom bittersweet
Excavation turns up bone that may be from human

By Deborah Frazier, Rocky Mountain News
January 25, 2006
The family of a missing Monte Vista mother said Tuesday the renewed investigation that may have uncovered a bone from the woman was sad news and good news.

Danice Day, then 19, disappeared Jan. 9, 2002, leaving behind two young children.

"All weekend, we were on pins and needles," said Jacqui Flint, Day's sister who operates a Web site on her missing sister.

"I'm scared of what I feel when they find her, but I'm hopeful that they will finally find her," said Flint. "We're all hopeful they'll find her."

The downtown site of a former filling station was excavated, and a bone believed to be from a human joint was located, said Rio Grande County Sheriff Brian Norton.

Other items of interest were also located underground at the site and will be sent to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for testing, he said.

Norton declined to discuss the other items that were found.

"We're very happy that they've renewed the search," said Jonene Day, Danice's mother.

"We were pretty disappointed by the way it was handled in the beginning," said Jonene Day. "No one bothered to look for her for several days."

At the time of her death, Danice Day was living with Victor Braun and they had a daughter, Kaylee, who is now 4, Jonene Day said.

Both Jonene Day and Flint said Danice Day had filed domestic abuse charges against Braun, moved out, reconciled and had resumed the relationship before her death.

Norton confirmed that Danice Day had filed a domestic violence complaint against Braun before her death. He said Braun was one of several people that would be interviewed as part of the investigation. Norton said Braun had been interviewed when Danice Day disappeared.

Jonene Day said she last saw her daughter on Christmas Day, 2001, when they both celebrated successful drug-rehabilitation programs and promised each other they would stay "clean and sober."

"She seemed happy, but my ex-husband (Danice's father, Rod Day) and her friends told me she was still being physically abused and wanted to leave," said Jonene Day.

"Her stuff was still at another apartment when she disappeared," said Flint.

Day vanished after her waitress shift at a Monte Vista restaurant ended Jan. 9, 2002. She left Kaylee and her son from another relationship at Braun's home along with her vehicle, wallet, cellular phone and clothing, said Jonene Day.

"She would never have left her children like that," said Jonene.

The empty lot that was excavated belonged to Braun's family and was sold in March 2002, the county assessor's office said.

Former Sheriff Desi Medina was a friend of Braun's father, Vernon Braun, and excused himself from the investigation because of the circumstances.

Victor Braun has custody of Kaylee, Norton said.

frazierd@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-892-5308

Posted by jacqui at 08:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Courtesy of Alamosa Valley Courier Online Edition
Tuesday, January 24, 2006

MONTE VISTA — The Rio Grande County Sheriff’s Department closed its investigation on the site of a former gas station at 1820 Grande in Monte Vista at about noon Monday.
Rio Grande County Sheriff Brian Norton told newspaper staff that a blackened joint bone found in a grease line over the weekend will be sent out for evaluation. It could take up to six months for results on the bone.
Some have said that the investigation has to do with the four-year-old missing person case of Danice Day.
The 20 year old mother of two was reported missing on Jan. 9, 2002 and has not yet been located. Norton would not confirm that his department’s search was tied to the case.
The sheriff’s department taped off the area of the newly cleared lot north of U.S. 160 mid-week. On Saturday, a tent was erected as excavation work continued. A back hoe was used Sunday.
The Monte Vista Police Department was on scene to offer assistance, but did not participate in the search. The Alamosa Sheriff’s Department set up a mobile emergency command post, which was gone by Sunday.
There have been other investigations during the past four years concerning Danice Day’s disappearance. Officers have dug for a body, used cadaver dogs and searched the San Juan Mountains, never finding anything.
The most recent investigation was on property that had once belonged to the family of Day’s boyfriend, Victor Braun.
The Rio Grande Tax Accessor’s office confirmed the property was sold in March 2002 to Michael H. and Linda Trujillo.
Four years ago, Danice Day left her job in Monte Vista for her home in Lariat.
According to a statement made by former sheriff J. Desi Medina at a Rio Grande County Com-missioners open meeting on Feb. 27, 2002, when Day arrived at the home she shared with Braun, she told Braun she was leaving him and he struck her, killing her.
Sheriff Norton has stated when Day arrived home she told Braun she was going out with a friend. Reportedly the friend picked her up and she has not been heard from since.
Despite reports that Norton was prepared to make a public statement Monday, information received from the sheriff’s staff at 5:45 p.m. indicated that he was not yet ready to make that statement. Queries were being transferred to his voice mail.

Community Comments
The comment by Desi "Four years ago, Danice Day left her job in Monte Vista for her home in Lariat. According to a statement made by former sheriff J. Desi Medina at a Rio Grande County Com-missioners open meeting on Feb. 27, 2002, when Day arrived at the home she shared with Braun, she told Braun she was leaving him and he struck her, killing her." Then why didn't he arrest Braun? something is very strange here.
i hope they do find that this bone is from danise day. her parents have suffered 4 long agonizing years. she was their only daughter and it is only right that justice for danise is served. god bless her family.
Someone should put this case on one of those detective shows on tv. They will find her and her killer.
Nothing strange about Desi Medina. Everyone has a right to excercise their indescretions and stroke their ego and repent later. Sheriff Medina is only human, or at least that's the way I remember him. Law enforcement is an overwhelmingly difficult job that the everyday person can't begin to fathom. Rio Grande county despritely needs a Civilian Academy first, to educate Joe Citizen, second to provide support to the departments in their jurisdiction. These deputies and officers work a thankless job and are given little support and always fight the tight budgets that accompany rural areas. When a case like the Day case breaks, the community is outraged by the lack of expertise. Quit bitching, donate money, organize a citizen's academy. It ain't like you see on CSI folks. Cases like these take time. I'd ought to know. I were one.
Trout
hello, i have a comment. I think they should question Victor Brauns dad, Vern Braun. I bet they both had something to do with it, thats probably why they sold the gas station on grand ave. Ive heard stories from someone about what happened to danice day from Cindy who works at the comfort inn in monte vista. I think its a real mystery, and you can believe what people say, but you never know if its the truth or not.
will
I have been wondering why Veron Braun and his son have not been arrested, everyone knows they had something to do with her missing? I wonder how they can live with what they did.

Posted by jacqui at 08:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Danice Day Went Missing In 2002
Wayne Harrison, Senior News Editor

POSTED: 4:49 am MST January 24, 2006
UPDATED: 7:55 am MST January 25, 2006

Email This Story | Print This Story
MONTE VISTA, Colo. -- The discovery of a bone fragment has renewed the search for a waitress who has been missing for four years in the San Luis Valley.

Danice Lea Day was 19 at the time she vanished near Monte Vista on Jan. 9, 2002.

According to a statement made by former sheriff J. Desi Medina at a Rio Grande County Commissioners open meeting on Feb. 27, 2002, when Day arrived at the home she shared with Victor Braun, she told Braun she was leaving him and he struck her, killing her. Despite that statement, Braun was never arrested or charged in the case.

"It was just two old farts talking to each other," Medina said after the commisioners' meeting. He said he thought he was talking with the commissioners off-the-record. "I said it in confidence as to how I think he did it, not in the capacity of sheriff."

Medina told commissioners he had a relationship with Braun's father and turned the investigation over to other department officials, but the district attorney's office took over jurisdiction in the investigation and requested all files on the case.

Relatives believe Day was murdered, because she would have never left her two children behind.

The discovery of the bone in a grease line at the site of a former gas station has renewed the investigation. Braun's father reportedly owned the gas station.

Last week, investigators used ground-penetrating radar to see if anything was buried at the site just north of Monte Vista. Authorities erected a tent, and dug at the location around the clock for several days. A backhoe was brought in, and a large hole was excavated. Dogs from Necro-Search in Montrose were called in to aide in the investigation and the work was completed Monday.

Officials denied a published report that the bone found was a human joint bone. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is assisting the sheriff's office in the investigation.

"Several items found during the excavation were sent to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation labs for identification and testing," said Capt. John Gonzales, "and it could take up to six months" to get results.

Gonzales said it was too early to tell if the bone that was found was human. He told the Meander Magazine that "possibly other places, and possibly out of state" were also part of the investigation.

Day, a single mother of two children, worked at the Dos Rios restaurant in Monte Vista when she disappeared. A $10,000 reward has been offered for information in the case

Posted by jacqui at 08:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Monte Vista-Under bright sunny skies last Saturday a crowd gathered at the Movie Manor to remember missing Monte vista resident Danice Day.

In a moving address to those who attended, father Rod Day tearfully acknowledged that it had been "two full calendar years that Danice has been missing and two years that we have no answers for her babies."

A photo of Day and her two children stood on a table surrounded by cookies and hot chocolate. Friends gathered in her memory.

Pastor Steve Shown shared a prayer for Day and her family and said, "Danice is reaching out today and wherever she is her blood cried out for justice. Just as Cain slew Abel, and his blood cried out, Danice is calling out to us."

Shown said, "I also believe God is asking us to forgive. Forgiveness isn't easy, but it's necessary in the healing process. I believe there is a season for everything, and I believe it's a season for both justice and forgiveness."

A song by Shown's wife Jolynn, which she sang and signed in American Sign Language, touched the crowd, as tears fell silently.

Day and his wife Judy told everyone how much they appreciated the support, but said, "This doesn't get easier." He said that he and his family have been assured that new leads are showing up daily, and the new evidence is hopeful.

Days said, "Today we voice a plea for help. There may be those who know something or have information. We are begging you to come forward so we can have peace and answers for her children whey they ask what happened their mommy."

Day went on to ask," reach inside yourself and ask yourself what would you do if it were your child. We need answers. We need closure. I want to bury my daughter with the respect she deserves."

A large trailer held 730 helium filled yellow and black balloons, one for each day she has been missing. Day explained the colors. "Black represents the worst of our suspicions, that we mourn our loss, and yellow is for hope-hope that someone will come forward today. Judy and I feel that yellow is the most powerful color to describe Danice. She was a soldier who fought a hard fight, and we believe she fought to the end."

Before the balloons were launched, Day asked Sheriff Brian Norton and Chief Investigator Shawn Woods to come forward.

"I believe that money talks, and today, we are adding $5,000 more to the foundation on behalf of Danice," Day said.

As the music played softly in the background, 730 balloons were released to the sunny skies, a message to Danice that she hasn't been forgotten.

Posted by jacqui at 04:56 PM | Permalink

By Tammy Schmier

Monte Vista- At a local restaurant in Monte vista, an elderly woman sat at her favorite table waiting for her special waitress.

"I wonder what happened to her," she said, looking wistfully at the picture of a beautiful young girl. "I wonder where she's at today?"

Her daughter held her hand, knowing the sadness she felt for her missing young friend. It has been 555 days since Danice Day has been home, since her two small children have been without their mother and no answers for her grieving family.

Eighteen months ago, Day disappeared from her home in Monte Vista. Foul play was suspected but nothing has been proven; questions remain.

In an interview last week, Rio Grande County Sheriff Brian Norton said that his case has been very tough for him.

"I came on a year after the investigation had begun and have spent many hours making sure I have all the information I need to continue," he said.

Norton said he is very anxious to solve this case and get answers for the Day family. He pointed to notebooks and binders full of information on the missing young woman and spoke candidly about his desire to assist in any way possible.

"I have offered to get a Danice Day task force operating, as well as organize with the search and rescue a volunteer effort, starting at the road and working our way up the mountain. I'm just waiting for the word," he said.

Norton said he feels like he is in the middle of a slow moving train when it comes to describing the case.

"I can't push the engine any faster than it's going," he said.

With sadness and frustration, he said that he has a hard time talking to the Day family every week and not have any news or information.

Norton said that a task force consisting of him, the D.A.'s office, the Attorney General and Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will get together as soon as possible to discuss strategy and move forward.

District Attorney Pete Comar said last Thursday that the newly formed task force will start at ground zero to see if anything has been missed or over-looked.

"We have put an enormous amount of time and effort in trying to solve this case," said Comar.

Shawn Woods, investigator for the district attorney's office, said that he has been aggressively involved in this case and works on it daily.

"At this point, we are waiting for all the documents that have been generated in this case so we can go over them and make sure we have all the information that is available," he said.

Woods stated that he spends a lot of his own time working on the case and has taken search dogs out looking for Day.

"I want very badly to solve t his case for Rod Day and his family," he said. "We need to get his case out in the public again. We need to get people thinking about Danice."

Being reminded of Danice's disappearance is not hard for family. Surrounded in his office at work by pictures of his only child, Rod Day said last Thursday that he thinks of his daughter "all the time."

As his eyes filled with tears, he said he can't help wishing for an answer.

"I guess I'm just an impatient father who just wants closure," he said.

Rod Day is hesitant to voice his disappointment with the case. When asked how long it has been since he saw Danice, he picked up a calendar from his desk and said "555 days, 79 weeks, or one week shy of eighteen months."

Day said that Norton is very aggressive and intense and is thankful for his persistence. He noted as well Woods has worked very hard.

"They are doing the best they can, given the circumstances," he said. "I don't have much contact with the CBI, I'm not sure what is going on there."

With the four agencies working together, Rod Day is hoping for that one break that will give his family closure.

We just want to know what happened to her and see that justice is done," he said.

For now the elderly woman sits at the table and waits for Danice to serve her food. Like others, she hopes for justice and closure in the case.

Posted by jacqui at 05:14 PM | Permalink

Alamosa Valley Courier
By Diana Murphy

DEL NORTE- On the one-year anniversary of his daughter's disappearance, Rody Day stood on his front porch, choked back his tears and addressed the candle-carrying crowd gathered before him.

"After one year we still don't know where our daughter is," he continued. "Sadly, only God and a handful of people know the truth about what happened that night. That's what we're here for-the truth."

Day made his comments during a candlelight vigil held last Thursday to remember his daughter, Danice Day, a 19-year-old Monte Vista woman who vanished January 9, 2002. Several dozen people attended the event, which took place shortly after sunset at the Day residence, 465 4th St.

"We thank you for your prayers and support, not just for Danice and her family but for the investigating force and also the people who have information and may come forward to help us put Danice to rest," Day sad.

Kari Chacon and Kary Snyder, who knew Day, wore T-shirts commemorating their friend's disappearance. They were heartened by the turnout for the vigil.

"It's good to know she was loved by so many people," Chacon, 22, said.

Chacon and Snyder both said the last year has been difficult for everyong who knew Day. "It's been frustrating, always wondering what happened," Snyder, 24, said.

On the day she disappeared, Day, a mother of two allegedly told her boyfriend she was going out, but did not say with whom. Her cell phone and car were left behind.

Day's disappearance is features on several Web sites dedicated to the recovery of missing children and endangered missing adults. Among the sites:

Danice Day:
http://www.daniceday.com

The Nation's Missing Children Organization and Center for Missing Adults:
http://www.nmco.or/gallery/ma/index-d.html.

The district attorney's office in Alamosa continues to investigate Day's disappearance. A $5,000 reward is offered for information leading to Day¹s discovery.

Anyone with information about the case should call investigators at (719)589-3715 or write to Shawn Woods, Chief Criminal Investigator for the district attorney, at PO Box 231, Alamosa, CO 81101. The identity of any informants will be kept confidential.

Day is 5'5" tall, weighs 105 pounds. She has blonde hair and blue eyes and her ears and left eyebrow are pierced. She was wearing black Wrangler jeans and a white T-shirt when last seen.

Posted by jacqui at 05:20 PM | Permalink

Alamosa Valley Courier
By Jonene Day

To the Editor:

I'm writing in the hope that people in your area will remember my daughter, Danice Day, who "disappeared" on January 9, 2002. Your remembrance and prayers for her would be appreciated. If anyone has any information or comments you can e-mail me at jonene752@yahoo.com.

Thank you,
Jonene Day
Cheyenne, WY

Posted by jacqui at 05:22 PM | Permalink

Alamosa Valley Courier
By Jacqui Flint

To the Editor:

January 9, 2003 marks the one-year anniversary of Danice Day's disappearance. Danice, the mother of two children, was a resident of Monte Vista. I would like to thake this time to remind the public that the case is still open.

In Danice's memory, an informational website regarding the case has been created. The site includes reward information, pictures, news articles, and personal essays regarding her case. This website can be accessed at www.daniceday.com. Even though there have been no new developments of late regarding the case, my family and I hope that the local media will not lose interest because a full year has passed.

No matter how long it takes, investigators will still be looking for new leads and evidence regarding her disappearance. My family and I have faith that someday this case will be brought to justice.

Thank you to everyone who has shown support in the last year. Special thanks to the investigators who continue to look for evidence. We can only hope that a new year will shed new light on this case.

Sincerely,
Jacqui Flint
New York, NY

Posted by jacqui at 05:22 PM | Permalink

By Alamosa Valley Courier Staff

MONTE VISTA - The District Attorney's Office is asking for the public's support in finding Danice Day, a 19-year-old mother of two children who was last seen Jan. 9, 2002 in Monte Vista.

Danice is 5'5" tall, weighs about 105 pounds, has blonde hair and blue eyes, as well as pierced ears and a pierced left eyebrow.

When last seen, she was wearing black Wrangler jeans and a white T-shirt. Allegedly telling boyfriend Victor Braun that she was going out with friends, but not revealing who, Day left behind her car and cell phone.

A six-month extension has been granted on the $5,000 reward offered for information leading to the location of Day.

Persons with any info may contact the DA at (719) 589-3691 or write: P.O. Box 231, Alamosa, CO 81101. Confidentiality is assured. Callers can also choose to remain anonymous.

Posted by jacqui at 05:25 PM | Permalink

By Debbie Pittman

RIO GRANDE COUNTY - Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was in the Valley over the weekend following up new leads in the Danice Day case.

The 19-year-old mother of two children was last seen January 9 in Monte Vista. Day left home, allegedly telling boyfriend Victor Braun that she was going out with friends. She left behind her car and cell phone.

DA's Investigator Shawn Woods and CBI investigators visited various locations in the Valley with special tracking bloodhounds supplied by Allen Duffy, owner of Bloodhound Investigations of Denver.

"We are investigating every lead," said Woods. Allen Duffy became involved with tracking dogs about 15 years ago when his own brother disappeared and was later found murdered in cold blood.

Said Duffy, "He just was in the wrong place at the wrong time and it cost him his life. If they had used bloodhounds at that time, they would have found my brother sooner and saved our family a lot of grief."

Duffy and his bloodhounds have worked cases as long as nine to 12 months after a disappearance.

A bloodhound's sense of smell is so incredibly sensitive and accurate that it has the distinction of being the only animal whose 'testimony' can be used as evidence in United States courts.

The dog's sense of smell is still the most effective way of locating missing people or people buried in avalanches. Sound detectors and other devices have a part to play, but are slow and cumbersome compared to "sniffer" dogs, Duffy said.

The investigation into Day's disappearance is ongoing and the DA's Office is still asking for the public's support.

A six-month extension has been granted on the $5,000 reward offered for information leading to the location of Danice Day.

Persons with any information may contact the DA at (719) 589-3691.

Posted by jacqui at 05:27 PM | Permalink

By Alamosa Valley Courier Staff

RIO GRANDE COUNTY - The District Attorney's office has gotten a six-month extension on the $5,000 reward offered for information leading to the location of Danice Day, DA Peter Comar said Thursday.

Day, the 19-year-old single mother of two children, was last seen Jan. 9 in Monte Vista. She is 5'5" tall, weighs about 105 pounds, has blonde hair and blue eyes, as well as pierced ears and a pierced left eyebrow.

She was wearing black Wrangler jeans and a white T-shirt when she left home, allegedly telling boyfriend Victor Braun that she was going out with friends.

Day left behind her car and cell phone, according to reports from the Monte Vista Police Department.

Comar and DA Investigator Shawn Woods said Thursday that the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been in the area several times and is returning again this week to follow up on some new leads.

"Investigation is still ongoing, and we are still asking for the public's support," Woods said.

Comar said of his work with the CBI, "You go over it and start from ground zero and start over again. We are still very much actively involved and working on it."

Bloodhounds from the ALIE Foundation are also expected to visit the area.

Persons with info may call the DA at (719) 589-3691.

Posted by jacqui at 05:28 PM | Permalink

Monte Vista Journal
By Jamin Johnson

To the Editor:

I am outraged by letter to the editor from B. Martin of Monte Vista [Monte Vista Journal, April 24] I just read. I must say as a member of Danice [Day]'s family that there's not one of us that has given up hope that she is still alive. You expect us to take comfort in the fact that Danice's body has not yet been found and you can't understand why we are so upset. We need to know what has happened to her; we can no longer sit by and wait. We need answers, we need support, but we certainly do not need a complete stranger telling us how we should and should not feel.

When I wake up in the morning the first thing I do is turn on the news to see if over the night maybe someone might have located my cousin. I can't understand how you could think that Danice just left her two little babies. Then I realize that you did not know her, so you could never understand our pain.

Thank you for telling us to be optimistic, but seeing how she has been missing for nearly five months, our optimism is wearing thin. We do not want to realize this horror, but we are becoming increasingly aware of the fact that we may not see Danice again.

Furthermore, we are deeply hurt by the accusations that we are placing false blame. While it is frustrating, believe me when I say that every accusation our family has made has stemmed from well-established knowledge. We are not prejudiced against law enforcement officials as you implied, seeing how three of our close family members are police officers, including my own father.

Please understand that while we constantly pray that she is still living, we long for closure. Know that we grieve daily that we may never see Danice again, and while we appreciate your opinion, we disagree. Next time we'd appreciate your sensitivity for our grief.

Jamin Johnson, cousin of Danice Day
Laramie, WY

Posted by jacqui at 05:32 PM | Permalink

Monte Vista Journal
By Julie K. Flint

To the Editor:

I am Danice Day's sister from Laramie, Wyo. and I would like to peacefully respond to the previous letter to the editor about keeping the hope in our situation ["On Danice Day: Don't lose sight of what's really important,"[Monte Vista Journal, April 23]

I would first like to comment on your statement "If it were my daughter..." I feel like you cannot even begin to speculate how this type of a situation would effect you and your family's emotions and sense of hope. We are enduring a mish mash of emotions and reactions, none of which were predictable. Hope is not lost in our family, but we are making our judgement from our intimacy with Danice and the knowledge of her situation, one from which she was trying to escape and make a better life for herself and her children.

This situation has not fully come through in the media by which you have gotten your details. We would love to believe that Danice did go for a break and will walk back in the door to restart this blessing of a life, but we also live with the reality of the knowledge of her life at the time and feel as though foul play is a possibility. This I don't feel is hopeless, but merely facing all the options and putting our efforts into where our intuition tells us to place it. We firmly believe that Danice would not walk out on the two highlights of her life-her children. She was a loving mother who loved nothing more than doing just that.

As far as the term "scumbags" goes, I am not aware of the use of this term. I am also unaware of your source for this word, but do agree that it is not a responsible term to use for the unknown.

We appreciate your hope, and it is always helpful. My hope is that you would use the passion that you are showing for this case, and encourage community that has yet been seen. It is through community involvement that this case will get the attention that it is due and one day come to an answer.

Peace to you.
Julie K. Flint-Morgan
Laramie, WY

Posted by jacqui at 05:31 PM | Permalink

Monte Vista Journal
By B. Martin

To the Editor:

To the Editor: I would like to say a few words on the Danice Day disappearance. This is coming from a person who has continually read the articles that have been in the paper the last couple of months.

First, I would like to know why everyone continues to say "the scumbags who did this to Danice." What would "this" be? The papers have not mentioned her body being found nor have they mentioned any evidence of foul play. The only evidence they have is that she is not here and has not been seen.

If this were my daughter, I would have an optimistic outlook and have hope that she will return. I would want to believe that maybe she has just taken off somewhere because of whatever pressures she might have had since, after all, she is a teenager mother. As her parents, I would not want to believe, nor would I think, the worst. This is what all articles seem to be saying. We don't know that there are any "scumbags" involved nor do we know that she will never be coming back. I would just like to tell Danice Day's parents, children and family to continue hoping, because you just never know.

As for the alleged cover-up by the Rio Grande County Sheriff's department, what is everyone talking about. Desi Medina turned the case over to Undersheriff Charles Martinez. According to newspaper articles, Sheriff Martinez questioned Victor Braun (Day's boyfriend) extensively. He was out at Victor's place of residence and place of employment on a daily basis. So who is it that is covering up? I know I sure would like to know. It has been said that if the investigation would have been handled properly then we would know what happened to Danice. Could we maybe not know because there is nothing to know? The Rio Grande Sheriff's department is having the blame placed on them because sometimes it is easier to place blame and makes the involved parties feel a little better because someone is getting in "trouble" and therefore gives the impression that something is being accomplished. Why does everyone always jump to conclusions and automatically blame the law enforcement officials. Police officers are human too and are capable of making mistakes, just like every other person in this world. What is wrong with offering a hypothetical scenario, which is what Desi Medina appeared to be doing at the minutes of the meeting that has everyone in an uproar. The only thing that would make this wrong would be if Desi was present at the time this alleged offense occurred:

Then he could be found guilty of some cover-up or something. Let the officials do their job without all of the criticism that seems to come so easily when things are not going perfectly. Remember this is not a perfect world and people will and can make mistakes. Law enforcement officials are just people. If Peter Comar feels he can do a better and more accurate job then that is his right. Let him do it. Quit all the criticism and the finger pointing and instead help support the local law enforcement officials.

And everyone remember, Danice Day is just missing, so don't lose sight of what is really important-finding her. Quit trying to place blame. Remain hopeful.

Posted by jacqui at 05:33 PM | Permalink

Special to The Denver Post
By Mark H. Hunter

ALAMOSA - A national missing persons foundation has joined the hunt for a 19-year-old Monte Vista woman who disappeared in early January.

District Attorney Peter Comar, 12th Judicial District, announced that the Carole Sund/Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation is posting a $5,000 reward for information that helps them find Danice Day. The single mother of a 3-year-old boy and a 10-month-old girl hasn't been seen by friends or family since she left her waitress job Jan. 9 and went to her boyfriend' s rural ranch.

Danice Day has long blond hair, large blue eyes, pierced ears and a pierced left eyebrow. Her car, keys and wallet were recovered at a ranch where she was living with Victor Braun, the baby's father, reports say.

Braun told investigators that Day left his place with someone he didn't know. That person is a suspect but hasn't been charged, officials say.

The foundation is named after Carole and Juli Sund and Silvina Pelossa, who disappeared and were later found murdered near Yosemite National Park in February 1999. Francis and Carole Carrington, Carole Sund's parents, posted a reward for their safe return and the return of their rental car.

"The Carringtons believe that the posting of these rewards and the media attention they received contributed to the car being located and gave them the first break in the case," Comar read from a foundation statement.

The $5,000 foundation reward will be added to a $1,000 reward posted by the San Luis Valley CrimeStoppers. Anyone with information is asked to call Shawn Woods, 12th Judicial District Investigator, at 719-589-3715, or CrimeStoppers at 719-589-4111.

"We know reward money can make a difference, because the foundation has already assisted in the apprehension of 17 murder suspects and one child molester," Comar said. "To date, the foundation has paid a total of $55,000 in rewards to citizens who did the right thing by coming forward and sharing the information they had."

In an unprecedented legal move, Comar took the Day case from Rio Grande County Sheriff Desi Medina on March 26 after Medina told the Rio Grande County commissioners about his friendship with Victor Braun and his father, Vernon. Medina also gave a graphic "opinion" of how Day was allegedly murdered. He later said his statements were "off the record" although it was a public meeting.

Day was reported missing Jan. 12 by her father, Rod Day. Undersheriff Charles Martinez headed the probe because of Medina's relationship with the Brauns, but Comar decided the case was tainted and put Woods in charge.

Attempts to contact the Brauns were unsuccessful, and they have not made any public statements.

Posted by jacqui at 05:34 PM | Permalink

Monte Vista Journal
By Rod and Judy Day

During the past three months, many friends and family members have contacted us as to how we feel about the disappearance of our darling daughter, Danice. How do we as parents express the greatest loss a parent can feel? Each day we wonder whether we will be able to see her, or be able to love and hold her again. The "terror" we feel each night that the next day will only bring another day of not knowing and the possible reality that we will never see her again.

We have been devastated by what has happened concerning the investigation of our daughter. Now we are told that the entire investigation may have to start over from the beginning. Are our hearts heavy? Yes. Are we angry? Yes. Were the last 77 days just wasted time? Perhaps.

Since January 12 (the night we reported Danice missing), we have prayed daily that when we contact the RGSO they will give us word that our daughter has been found, but each day turns out the same," We have no leads." And now, in our hearts, we ask "Why?" Has there been interference in the case of our missing daughter? Has the Sheriff's office done everything possible to find our daughter? Has the Sheriff's obvious friendship with the named suspects caused our daughter's case to be hindered in any way? We have put our trust in our local Sheriff's Department and that trust has been diminished by the Sheriff being more concerned about the suspects in this case than our missing daughter. What about concern for her two beautiful children, Joshua (3) and Kaylie (11 months)? How do we as grandparents explain this type of unforgivable behavior to these babies?

Things have changed. We now direct our trust and prayers toward the D.A.'s office and the CBI. Hopefully, there will be a speedy investigation to find the answer to what has happened to our daughter. And if foul play is involved - the appropriate measures will be taken. We are also confident that the people of the San Luis Valley, in a combined effort, will help insure that justice will be served to any public official that has misused his position.

We do not want our anger and frustration over the recent developments concerning the RGSO to cloud our minds from reality. Our reality is that our daughter is still missing and possibly fatally hurt. To that end, we ask anyone with any information regarding Danice, please call the D.A.'s office at 719-589-3715 or Crimestoppers at 719-589-4111. You can remain anonymous and we so want Danice's children to know the truth.

Lastly, we want to thank all of our friends and family whom we know pray each day for Danice, her babies, us, and for a speedy "closure" to this nightmare. Thanks also to Marsha Triplett for "bringing to light" the discrepancies that could be the turning point for our daughter.

Rod and Judy Day - Del Norte, CO

Posted by jacqui at 05:36 PM | Permalink

Special to The Denver Post
By Mark H. Hunter

MONTE VISTA - A case of a young Monte Vista woman missing since early January has turned into a nightmare for her parents, a nationwide search for her and a local controversy.

Danice Day is 19 years old, has long blond hair, large blue eyes, pierced ears and a pierced left eyebrow. The single mother of a 3-year-old boy and a 10-month-old girl hasn't been seen since she left her waitress job at Dos Rios Restaurante on Jan. 9 and went to her boyfriend's rural ranch, according to reports.

Day was living with Victor Braun, father of the baby girl, according to her friends. Rio Grande County Undersheriff Charles Martinez said Victor and his father, Vernon Braun, are considered suspects in her disappearance.

"Victor was the last person seen with her," Martinez said. "Victor said she left his residence with a friend but nobody knows who the friend was. An argument ensued because she was going out with someone he didn't know."

Day's car, keys, wallet, cellphone and clothing were all recovered at the Braun residence, according to her father, Rod Day, who reported her missing Jan. 12.

"Each day we wonder whether we will be able to see her, or be able to love and hold her again," Rod Day said in a written statement. "The terror we feel each night - that the next day will only bring another day of not knowing and the possible reality that we will never see her again."

Rod Day and his wife, Judy, are caring for the son and the baby is with her father.

Martinez said that since Jan. 12, deputies have called in the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, posted Day's picture on several "missing person" Web pages and law enforcement databases, searched the Braun ranch, scoured nearby foothills on horseback, and even asked two psychics and a Native American shaman for help. Many San Luis Valley businesses have posted her photo on doorways and local newspapers have published articles about her disappearance.

"I can't picture her leaving her children," said Pam Bricker, one of Day's former teachers at the Byron Syring Delta Center, a Monte Vista alternative school from which Day graduated in May 2000. "This has been very distressing for all of us. She is a sweet bubbly girl and very, very smart."

The Brauns are acquaintances of Rio Grande County Sheriff Desi Medina, a relationship that is "a potential conflict," according to District Attorney Peter Comar of the 12th Judicial District, and cause for "taking over this investigation," according to a March 21 letter from Comar to Medina. Comar officially took over the case last week.

"We would ask that any individual who feels they have information regarding the disappearance of Danice Day call 719-589-3715," Comar said. "Please do not call the Rio Grande County Sheriff's Office as they have no further involvement in this matter."

Comar's decision was provoked by comments Medina made to the Rio Grande County board of commissioners last month.

"Danice went to her and Victor's residence and Vern and Victor were in another room and Danice came in and told Victor that she was going to leave him," Medina said, according to the meeting minutes. "Victor got up to hit Danice and she moved and he hit her in the esophagus, which killed her."

"We were shocked with his comments about how she was killed," said Vern Rominger, commission chair. "If they know all this, why hasn't something been done?"

Medina now claims his statements were "off the record," although it was a public meeting.

He denied showing any favoritism to the Brauns, and said he turned the case over to Martinez in January to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest. He pledged cooperation with Comar.

"I'm friends with everybody," Medina said. "Victor and Vern have been underdogs, but I treat everybody the same."

Attempts to contact the Brauns were unsuccessful and they have not made any public statements about Day's disappearance.

Anyone with information is asked to call the District Attorney's Office or San Luis Valley Crimestoppers at 719-589-4111 to collect a possible $1,000 reward.

Posted by jacqui at 05:37 PM | Permalink

Monte Vista Journal
By Sgt. Dusty Little

To the Editor:

The [Rio Grande County] Sheriff's office truly regrets the public confusion about the disappearance of Danice Day. As was explained in previous newspaper articles, Sheriff Medina delegated this case to Undersheriff Martinez from the beginning, knowing that he had a personal relationship in the past with parties involved in the case.

In a small county like this almost every case involves suspects, victims and witnesses that are known personally to the Sheriff or a member of his staff. Reassigning cases to others within the department to avoid conflict is a routine matter. Every available resource has been tapped to solve this case, from the County Commissioners to the District Attorney and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

We have coordinated the investigation with local law enforcement agencies throughout Colorado as well as other states. Missing person's organizations nation wide have been contacted and advised. The implication that the Sheriff of Rio Grande County has not pursued this case is unfounded, misleading and only feeds irrational sensationalism.

Any missing person case is sensitive. Although the possibility of foul play cannot be ruled out, there may be a credible reason for the disappearance. If foul play was involved, it is imperative that proper procedures be followed throughout the investigation in order not to violate the rule of law.

The function of the District Attorney is to prosecute cases where the law has been broken, and we have been working with the DA to make sure that the actions of this office assist him in doing his job if it comes to that.

Every possibility must be followed up if we are going to bring this case to resolution. Most missing person cases are resolved in the first 24 hours. Very few cases go beyond 90 days without resolution. The Sheriff and his staff feel that resolution of this case is still a realistic expectation. The Sheriff hopes that unauthorized press releases, conjectures and the DA's preemptive move to manage the case will not make it harder to find out what we all want to know: What happened to Danice Day?

Sgt. Dusty Little, press officer Rio Grande County Sheriff's Office

Posted by jacqui at 05:38 PM | Permalink

By Marsha K. Triplett

ALAMOSA - Setting an unusual precedent, District Attorney Peter Comar took a strong hand in the Danice Day case. In a letter sent Thursday, March 21, to Rio Grande County Sheriff Desi Medina, Comar wrote, "...I am taking over the investigation and ask that you send over your files and cease any further work on this matter."

In an interview on Feb. 28, Medina confirmed that he explained what he declared was his opinion of how Day died during a Rio Grande County Commissioner meeting held Feb. 27. Minutes of that meeting were released Thursday.

In his letter, Comar said he had read a copy of the minutes and expressed concern that Medina's close relationship with the Brauns poses a potential conflict of interest.

"I've got to do something," Comar said. "I called another DA that I know and discussed the situation with him, and he said if it were him, he'd take the case over."

Comar admitted it is an unusual action, but he said he felt there was no other option. "I guess if Desi wants to fight (surrendering the case), then we'll fight," he said.

The minutes of the Rio Grande County Board of Commissioners meeting state: "Sheriff Medina told the Commissioners that what happened is Denise [Danice] went to her and Victor's residence and Vern and Victor were in another room and Denise [Danice] came in and told Victor that she was going to leave him. Victor got up to hit Denise [Danice] and she moved and he hit her in the esophagus, which killed her. They have not found the body yet."

Medina said that he originally went in to the meeting to speak to Commissioner Doug Davie on another issue. At some point, Commissioner Vern Rominger asked about the Day case, Medina said.

"It was just two old farts talking to each other," stated Medina. He continued explaining that he thought he was talking with the commissioners off-the-record and that he was simply outlining his own opinion of what happened.

In a brief interview early Thursday morning, Medina said, "I felt obligated to respond when Vern Rominger asked me about the Day case."

The minutes clearly state that Sheriff Medina asked the commissioners if they wanted to know anything about the Day case.

When contacted, Rominger said, "I do remember asking Desi after he spoke with Doug about the Day case." Rominger did not remember at what point in the meeting he asked but did say, "The minutes may be wrong," with regard to who initially asked about the case.

Rominger said, "We about fell off our chairs when he told how she was killed."

The minutes report Medina mentioning that he has turned the case over to Undersheriff Charles Martinez because Medina knows Victor Braun and Vern Braun very well. Victor Braun, Day's boyfriend and Vern Braun, Victor's father, have both been questioned about Day's disappearance.

During the meeting, Medina is reported as having compared Victor to his own son and having said that Vern reminded him of himself. In further conversation as reported in the minutes, "Medina told Commissioners that he felt sorry for Victor and is indeed afraid of Judge Trujillo and Judge Ogburn because he knows that they would not think twice about throwing him [Victor] in jail."

These comments have led officials to question the relationship between the Brauns and Medina and has led in part to the request for removal of Medina from the Day case.

Comar said he will be meeting with representatives of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation this morning, and that even CBI officials have quietly suggested he should take the Day case from Medina and the RGSO.

Rod and Judy Day, parents of Danice Day, had read a copy of the Commissioner meeting minutes and also knew about the letter from Comar when Valley Publishing contacted them Thursday evening.

"We just in our hearts wonder how soon would this have been solved if something had not been apparently covered up," Rod Day said. "It appears to us that something has been covered up."

Early Thursday evening Rominger had been told of the request by Comar but had no comment. Commissioner Doug Davie was not aware of the request by Comar until contacted by Valley Publishing and had no comment. Commissioner Randy Brown was out of town and unavailable for comment.

Posted by jacqui at 05:39 PM | Permalink

By Marsha R. Triplett

DEL NORTE - Controversy is still swirling around comments made by Rio Grande County Sheriff Desi Medina Feb. 27 in a regular open session of the Rio Grande County Commissioners.

During the meeting, Medina dropped a bombshell concerning the investigation of the disappearance of Danice Day, a Monte Vista resident missing since Jan. 9.

Medina told those present he thought he knew how Day died and proceeded to describe the manner of her alleged death.

On Feb. 28, the sheriff said, in conversation, "Yesterday was a mistake. I said it in confidence as to how I think he [the perpetrator] did it, not in the capacity of Sheriff." Medina said he believed his comments were off the record.

Valley Publishing attempted to secure minutes of the meeting, but was first told the minutes could not be delivered until approved.

In a second call asking whether a tape of the minutes had been made, Valley Publishing was told the minutes were not taped.

Further, Rio Grande County Administrator Suzanne Benton said a protective order had been placed on the minutes of the meeting by District Attorney Peter Comar.

Valley Publishing contacted Colorado Press Association Attorney Steve Zansberg to determine if a protective order could legally be placed on the records of a public meeting.

Zansberg said he spoke with Comar and Benton and informed Valley Publishing that a protective order was never in place and the minutes could not be legally suppressed.

Contacted on Tuesday, March 19, Benton said Rio Grande County Attorney William Dunn originally spoke with Assistant District Attorney Mike Iozzo regarding the minutes in question after comments pertaining to the Day investigation were made by Medina during the commissioners' meeting.

According to Benton, Iozzo said he would speak with Comar and a protective order would be placed on the minutes. Benton said she had still not received the order last week and on Thursday faxed the portion of the minutes in question to Comar for review. Benton had still not heard anything from Comar and told Valley Publishing Tuesday that the minutes would be approved Thursday during the commissioners' meeting and would be available to the public. Contacted about the matter, Comar said the minutes were public record and therefore could not be sealed.

Day Investigation Continues

The ongoing investigation into the whereabouts of Day has produced little new information that can be released at this time according to Rio Grande County Undersheriff Charles Martinez. The Rio Grande Sheriff's Office (RGSO) is working with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the case.

Martinez said a six-man CBI forensic team recently conducted tests at Day's residence, as well as on a boat belonging to Vern Braun, father of Day's boyfriend Victor Braun. Martinez said information on what was discovered during the forensic investigation could not be disclosed. He did say the team was looking for hair fibers, fingerprints, blood spatters, saliva and semen, among other things.

The undersheriff said the CBI executed a warrant on a gravesite just outside a fenced area of the Rock Creek Cemetery. Near the gravesite was a rock with D + V scratched on it. The site yielded the bodies of two animals.

CBI and RGSO have conducted interviews with present and past employees of the Dos Rios Restaurant, where Day was employed at the time of her disappearance.

Employees of Carnegie Library in Monte Vista and Rainbow Grocery, both establishments where Day had previously worked, also have been interviewed, Martinez said.

Posted by jacqui at 05:40 PM | Permalink

By Marsha R. Triplett

MONTE VISTA - Nearly six weeks ago, local Monte Vista resident and young mother, Danice Day, was reported missing. Since that time no evidence has been discovered by local law enforcement agencies that would lead to her where abouts.

In an interview with Rio Grande County Under Sheriff Charles Martinez last week, Martinez stated that the Colorado Bureau of Investigation had been officially asked to lend a hand in the investigation.

Victor Braun, Day's boyfriend, and Vern Braun, Victor Braun's father, are suspects in the case. Martinez said over 150 hours have been spent combing their property as well as the Rock Creek area in search of Day's body. According to Martinez, there is no strong evidence to suggest there may be a body but all leads had to be checked out. The searches were conducted on both government and private property. Martinez stated that permission of landowners was not needed and indicated valuable time would be lost identifying and contacting landowners to receive their permission.

In addition to the searches on 4-wheelers, Martinez said that several searches of the suspects' homes and shops have conducted with full cooperation and permission of the Brauns. When questioned about a recent shipment of luminol received at RGSO, Martinez confirmed that the luminol was used in the Day investigation by the department. Luminol detects blood proteins on fibers and Martinez stated no evidence of blood was found.

Martinez also stated that cadaver dogs had recently been brought in and again residences, personal vehicles, personal property and the surrounding country was searched but they too failed to find any evidence leading to a body.

When questioned about training the department had received with regard to handling this type of case, Martinez stated, "Many of our people have a lot of experience in missing people and homicides. None of us have forensic training." According to Martinez, that is one reason CBI had been called in.

Posted by jacqui at 05:41 PM | Permalink

Courtesy of Denver 7 News

A San Luis Valley waitress, missing for more one month, is believed to be dead, according to the Rio Grand County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities have been searching for Danice Day, 19, since Jan. 9.

"We're concentrating on looking for a body," Undersheriff Charles Martinez told the Alamosa Valley Courier Monday.

"We still hope she's alive, but everything points to her being dead ... All the leads of her being alive have failed."

Day reportedly went to her home from her job the afternoon of Jan. 9 and told her boyfriend she was going out with a friend, according to Martinez. That was the last time she was seen. Deputies have several suspects in the case, including Day's live-in boyfriend.

"He's always been a suspect," Martinez said, "but he's not the only suspect. We have two or three suspects."

Deputies have used four-wheelers and four-wheel-drive trucks to search an area west of Monte Vista, Colo., but failed to find any trace of Day. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is helping the sheriff's office investigate the disappearance.

San Luis Valley Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the location of Day.

The single mother of two children worked at the Dos Rios restaurant in Monte Vista.

Copyright 2002 by TheDenverChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed

Posted by jacqui at 05:42 PM | Permalink

By Becky Noland

MONTE VISTA - Fearing that she may be dead, police last week searched the outlying countryside west of Monte Vista in search of the body of Danice Day, the 19-year-old girl who has been missing for over a month.

"We're concentrating on looking for a body," said Undersheriff Charles Martinez on Monday, when asked how the investigation into Day's disappearance was going. "We still hope she's alive, but everything points to her being dead ... All the leads of her being alive have failed."

Rio Grande Sheriff's Office deputies searched both the Rock Creek area and the Rim Rock Ranch area west of Monte Vista several times on four-wheelers and in four-wheel drive trucks last week, Martinez said.

Both areas are areas suspect Victor Braun, Day's live-in boyfriend, had access to from his home on Lariat Rd. near County Rd. 28, Martinez said, noting that Braun is only one of several suspects in the disappearance of the slender, blond waitress at Dos Rios.

"He's always been a suspect," Martinez said, "but he's not the only suspect. We have two or three suspects."

The undersheriff called in the Colorado Bureau of Investigation last week and said the CBI may return to the Monte Vista area this week to help continue the investigation.

Meanwhile, San Luis Valley Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the location of the missing woman, who is the single mother of two children.

Posted by jacqui at 05:43 PM | Permalink

By Becky Noland

DEL NORTE-A probation officer told a judge last week that Victor Braun, the 24-year-old Monte Vista man on four years probation for burglary, "is doing well."

Braun reports in on a regular basis, is current in his restitution payments and is maintaining full-time employment, reported Teddy Archuleta, Braun's Probation Officer.

"He's doing well, your honor," Archuleta told Judge John Kuenhold Feb. 6 in Rio Grande District Court.

Archuleta said Braun had also complied with drug testing and "everything is clean." He is working full time at his father's paint and body shop, Archuleta said.

Judge John Kuenhold placed Victor Braun on probation July 25 for four years, along with a 60-day jail sentence in the county jail. Earlier in the summer, Braun had pleaded guilty to two counts of second degree burglary in a plea bargain agreement that dismissed three other felony cases pending against him. All the charges stem from a series of burglaries and check frauds Braun committed in Monte Vista during the 2000 Christmas holidays.

When Judge Kuenhold placed Braun on four years probation last summer instead of sending him to prison, he told Braun he was getting a break.

"You're a cocaine addict who's committed a bunch of felonies," Kuenhold said when he sentenced Braun. "You shouldn't expect any more breaks. If you don't shape up, you'll go to the Department of Corrections."

As part of the sentence, Braun was ordered to pay back approximately $8,000. The court ordered him to pay $150 per month and Braun has currently paid $450 in restitution, Archuleta said. When asked how often Braun was tested for drugs, Archuleta said the tests were conducted on a random basis and "often enough to catch him if he's using drugs."

At the sentencing hearing last summer, Braun's girlfriend and mother of their infant child, was present in the courtroom. According to Ruth Acheson, Braun's public defender lawyer, the couple had split up and Braun had filed for custody of his daughter. She then asked that Braun be given no jail time because of his parental responsibilities.

Today, the whereabouts of Braun's girlfriend, Danice Day, is a mystery. Apparently she and Braun had reconciled because she was living with him at the time of her disappearance last month. She disappeared Jan. 9 and hasn't been heard from since. Three weeks into the investigation of her disappearance, the Rio Grande County Sheriff's Office asked the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to assist them in the case. No arrests have been made in the case.

Posted by jacqui at 05:45 PM | Permalink

By Monte Vista Journal Staff

MONTE VISTA - Danice Day's two children and her parents have asked San Luis Valley Crimestoppers to help with their search for her.

Day, the 19-year-old single mom of two children, was last seen Jan. 9 in Monte Vista.

She is 5'5" tall, weighs about 105 pounds, has blonde hair and blue eyes, as well as pierced ears and a pierced left eyebrow. When last seen, she was wearing black Wrangler jeans and a white T-shirt.

When she left home, allegedly telling boyfriend Victor Braun that she was going out with friends, but not revealing who, Day left behind her car and cell phone, according to reports from the Monte Vista Police Department. A reward of up to $1,000 is offered by San Luis Valley Crimestoppers, and persons with information may contact 589-4111. Confidentiality is assured and callers need not be identified.

Posted by jacqui at 05:44 PM | Permalink

By Becky Noland

MONTE VISTA - Authorities are tight-lipped, but it appears there may be a break pending in the case of the 19-year-old girl who has been missing for a month.

"We can't say anything, but I can tell you that Undersheriff Martinez will probably have something to say to you guys in the next couple of days," RGSO deputy Boyd Wheelwright said Tuesday morning when pressed by a reporter.

Undersheriff Charles Martinez was "out in the field" working on the case and couldn't be reached for comment, deputies said.

Persistent rumors about the case have been swirling throughout the Valley for weeks, ever since Danice Day, a 19-year-old waitress at Dos Rios Restaurant in Monte Vista, disappeared Jan. 9. Police have questioned her boyfriend, Victor Braun, but no arrests have been made in the case.

One of the rumors circulating around the Valley is that Day's body was found last night at Navajo State Park, but nobody at the Archuleta County Sheriff's Office or the Southern Ute Police Department had any knowledge of a body being discovered recently at the lake.

"We would certainly know about something like that, " said a spokesperson from the Southern Ute Police Department. "We're here every day."

Last week frustrated local sheriff's deputies called in the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to help out in the missing person case. The Rio Grande Sheriff's Department has put in hundreds of hours on the case, says Undersheriff Charles Martinez. Undersheriff Martinez said he's been working on the case" "day and night nonstop for three weeks."

Victor Braun, Day's boyfriend with whom she had been living at the time of her disappearance, has agreed to take a polygraph test, police said. But as of last week, Martinez said "he keeps putting it off." It is believed, but unconfirmed, that Victor Braun took a polygraph test early this week.

Danice Day's parents were contacted Tuesday morning and said the Rio Grande County Sheriff's Department haven't contacted them about any recent breaks in the case.

Posted by jacqui at 05:45 PM | Permalink