Case Description

File Number: 81-16853

The Victim: Edward Connaughton, 57 years old, was found deceased on 7/27/81 from injuries he sustained after having been assaulted.

The Crime: On 7/27/81 one of Mr. Connaughton's fellow workers determined that he was late for work, which was very unusual, and became worried.  This co-worker, out of concern, went to Mr. Connaughton's home in the 1500 block of Shasta Drive, Colorado Springs.  The first thing the friend noticed was that Mr. Connaughton's vehicle, a blue Mazda RX300 station wagon was not in the driveway. 

Accompanied by another individual, the co-worker entered the rear door of Mr. Connaughton's home since it was open.  They noticed that the television set was missing, as was a stereo.  They then discovered Mr. Connaughton in an upstairs bedroom, lying on the floor.  They notified the CSPD and the first arriving officer noted that Mr. Connaughton was deceased.  The cause of death was the result of repeated blows to head. 

The victim reportedly had houseguests about the time of his death.  These individuals were from Corpus Christi, Texas, and perhaps another person known as "Tony," was from Florida.  Reportedly Mr. Connaughton frequently invited the homeless to visit his residence.  Subsequent to the murder, the victim's vehicle was located in an abandoned condition in Denver.  The vehicle had several parking citations dated around the time of Mr. Connaughton's murder and shortly thereafter. 

The Investigation: The investigation produced the names of numerous visitors to the victim's residence, but due to nicknames, lack of identifying information, etc., they have not all been located to date.  This case remains an open investigation. 

The Colorado Springs Police Department Homicide Cold Case Unit is currently responsible for approximately 90 unsolved homicide cases dating back to 1949. CSPD considers a case to be cold if it remains unsolved for more than one year.

If you have any information that would be of assistance in this or any of our

Cold Case investigations, please contact us:

Telephone ---  719-444-7613

email ---  CSPDColdCase@springsgov.com 

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Crime Stoppers at 634-STOP (7867).