Steamboat Springs law enforcement has opened a homicide investigation after a body was discovered by a fisherman south of Yampa on Monday afternoon.<\/p>\n
The body of Elliot Stahl, a 26-year-old Steamboat Springs resident, was found in the Routt National Forest off U.S. Forest Service Road 900, according to Routt County Sheriff Garrett Wiggins. Forest Service Road 900 is the road leading to Stillwater Reservoir in the Flat Tops.<\/p>\n
The sheriff said there was a substantial amount of blood found on Stahl\u2019s body and his clothing.<\/p>\n
Wiggins did not disclose the manner of death, citing concerns it would hamper the investigation. Forensic pathologists are awaiting a toxicology report to determine a cause of death.<\/p>\n
Investigators have not yet identified a motive for the murder. Wiggins said Stahl did not have a \u201clegitimate job\u201d and had been in and out of jail on various drug-related charges. <\/p>\n
Wiggins said investigators have identified several suspects but have not made any arrests. He is not sure how many people were involved in the murder. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur search is a little narrower every day,\u201d Wiggins said.\u00a0\u201cThere were a lot of people (Stahl) hung out with in the same mindset, the same culture and who have substantial criminal histories.\u201d<\/p>\n
ahl was last seen at a gas station in Craig at around 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, according to Wiggins. <\/p>\n
Law enforcement wants to hear from anyone with information about Stahl\u2019s death. Call Routt County Dispatch at 970-879-1090 or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 970-870-6226. Information can also be shared via text by texting NABM, followed by the tip, to 274637.<\/p>\n
Law enforcement is offering up to a $2,500 reward for information leading to the identification of the suspect or suspects in Stahl\u2019s murder. <\/p>\n
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the Steamboat Springs Police Department are assisting in the investigation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have as many people as we can on this thing right now,\u201d Wiggins said. <\/p>\n