Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The investigation into the murder of Steamboat Springs resident Lori Bases will take time, Public Safety Director J.D. Hays said.

Bases died in her apartment sometime during the evening of May 11 from multiple stab wounds, according to Rout County Coroner Doug Allen.

Hays said police continue to investigate the murder and follow every lead they are given. Thursday, for instance, police interviewed two people who may have had new information.

"We follow up on every little thing. We have to see if it's a valid lead. Some are, some aren't," he said.

Hays declined to comment on any new information that has been gathered in the case.

Police arrested Jill Coit one month after her estranged husband, Gerry Boggs, was found shot to death in 1993 at his Steamboat Springs home. Hays said not all investigations can be wound up quickly.

"This is a slow, methodical process. It's not like TV where it's all wrapped up in 30 minutes," Hays said.

He said the case will be solved.

"It's not like we've run out of things to do. This is occupying our time all day, every day. This is the worst kind of crime to happen to this community and we will not stop," Hays said.

Attack investigation continues, too

Police are treating Bases' murder and the attack of a young woman at a neighborhood park as two active but separate cases.

Police say an unidentified man attempted to sexually assault a 19-year-old Steamboat Springs woman at approximately 7 p.m., May 9 at a playground on Whistler Road.

She gave police a description of a white man of medium height with short dark hair, with a thin line of facial hair framing his face and a wide jaw. He had at least one ear pierced.

Public Safety Director J.D. Hays said the murder and the attack do not appear to be related.

Police officer Jerry Stabile said he expects to interview the victim and her family members within the next week. He said there are no new leads but he's hopeful.

"Obviously, there was a time when our resources were elsewhere, but this case has not been put on the back burner," Stabile said. "I anticipate having more workable information by next week."

To reach Michelle Bales call 871-4208 or e-mail mbales@amigo.net