Colorado Teen Accused of Killing Father, Dumping Body in Wyoming

The son of James Bitner, the 56-year-old Black Hawk, Colorado man whose body was found wrapped in a tarp at Mirror Lake on the Fourth of July, has been arrested in connection with his father's killing, the Albany County Sheriff's Office says.

Arrest Made in Mirror Lake Homicide Case

According to ACSO spokeswoman Rebecca Hayes, the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office arrested 19-year-old Jaymz Bitner, also of Black Hawk, on July 28, 2024.

“The Albany County Sheriff’s Office initial investigation has been reclassified as a case of disposal of human remains, however, the original homicide charge is now being pursued in Colorado,” the ACSO in a press release on Saturday afternoon said.

Due to the ongoing investigation, the ACSO can’t provide additional information at this time.

“We acknowledge and appreciate the outstanding work of detectives McKinney and Curtis for their tireless efforts and meticulous investigation, resulting in a pivotal breakthrough in this case,” the ACSO said.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families affected and are committed to finding out the truth involving this matter,” the ACSO added.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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For more information about this case, check out our earlier posts:

• BREAKING: Homicide Victim Found at Mirror Lake in Albany County Identified
• UPDATE: Body Found at Mirror Lake Was Wrapped in Tarp, Albany County Sheriff's Office Says
• UPDATE: Mirror Lake Reopens After Body Found; Investigation Ongoing