For families not able to attend the Missing in Colorado event in August and would like to provide a family reference sample or pictures of their missing loved one, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is hosting an open house at its headquarters located in Lakewood, CO (690 Kipling St.) from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on November 1, 2023.
A family reference involves providing a simple cheek swab with a Q-Tip. These references will then be compared to DNA profiles of Unidentified Human Remains (UHR). If there is not a match, the family reference DNA profile is stored and compared to new UHR cases.
Additionally, if family members have photos of their missing loved one or medical/dental records that they would like to provide, CBI analysts will scan those records and send the originals home with those attending the event.
“The CBI hosts several events throughout the year for families of the missing to ensure we have the most complete and accurate records possible to access when we discover information about a missing person,” said Assistant Director Kirby Lewis. “Having access to things such as dental records and family references can expedite the identification of a missing person.”
If you have already reported your missing loved one to law enforcement but have not yet provided a family reference sample, please consider attending the open house. Ideally, collecting two family reference samples in each missing person case is important, starting with the mother and father; however, a reference sample can be collected from siblings.
This open house is for families who have already reported their loved ones missing but still need to provide a family reference sample, records or pictures.
If you have a missing loved one and have not yet reported them to local law enforcement, please do so prior to attending this open house.
Another event will be held in February 2024.
Contact Analyst Audrey Simkins at Audrey.Simkins@state.co.us if you have questions.