Skull found in 2018 near Lawson identified, but death investigation continues

DENVER (KDVR) — After six years, a DNA match has confirmed the identity of a person whose skull was found by children on May 11, 2018, in Clear Creek County.

The skull and a nearby tooth fragment were found next to a power pole near Silver Lakes Drive, according to the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office. The skull was missing its jaw but otherwise appeared undamaged.

Police sought to identify who the skull had come from, and a forensic anthropologist in 2018 determined the skull was male, had European ancestry, and there was no evidence of trauma to the bones. Additionally, it appeared the individual had been dead for at least a quarter of a year, although officials said it was more likely to have been closer to a year or more.

After this, the skull was transported to the University of North Texas for DNA extraction. The DNA was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System then.

On Wednesday, the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office announced that in 2023, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation began using “advanced genealogy techniques” and found a DNA match. Investigators spoke to the family of the decedent and learned they had lost contact with a sibling “several years prior.” A family member submitted a DNA sample and in May, CBI confirmed the victim’s identity with a 99.99% accuracy match.

According to law enforcement, the skull belonged to David “Michael” Crady, born Oct. 4, 1955.

“We deeply appreciate the efforts and collaboration of the University of North Texas, CBI, and our forensic experts. This identification will hopefully provide some closure for Mr. Crady’s family,” said Clear Creek County Sheriff Matthew D. Harris in the identification announcement.

The death investigation is still open and there are no leads on what led to Crady’s death, or how his skull ended up near Lawson. Anyone with information about the cold case is asked to contact the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office at 303-679-2393.

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