In a tragic and unsettling development, Colorado authorities have launched a homicide investigation following the discovery of the body of Paul Peavey, a 57-year-old dog breeder, on his Clear Creek County property. Peavey, known for breeding European Doberman pinschers, was found dead on Saturday, August 24, by a search party of community volunteers. The discovery has left the local community in shock, particularly as up to 13 of Peavey’s prized Doberman puppies have gone missing.
Paul Peavey was last heard from on the night of August 19. Concerned friends, including Bruce Boynton, grew alarmed when they were unable to reach him. Boynton, who described Peavey as a regular at his restaurant, decided to check on him after another friend reported being unable to contact Peavey. What Boynton found upon arriving at Peavey’s property was deeply disturbing.
“The place was wide open, the puppy barn was open, and there were no puppies,” Boynton told CNN. “His house and the whole property were torn apart, and anything of value was gone.” The grim scene suggested that Peavey’s death was no accident, and the missing puppies added another layer of mystery to the case.
Peavey’s death was officially reported to the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday evening, leading to the filing of a missing person report. However, initial investigations by authorities on Thursday did not yield any significant findings. It wasn’t until Saturday that Peavey’s body was discovered, heightening the urgency of the investigation.
Sheriff Matthew Harris, speaking to local media, explained that the initial response was based on the information they had at the time, which did not indicate immediate danger. However, with Peavey’s death now confirmed as a homicide, the investigation has intensified, with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the 5th Judicial District Attorney’s Office joining the effort.
One of the most pressing aspects of the investigation is the search for the missing Doberman puppies, which are microchipped and may hold crucial clues to solving the case. The sheriff’s office has indicated that some of the puppies might have been sold since last Tuesday, and they are urging anyone with information about the puppies’ whereabouts to come forward.
“Locating Mr. Peavey’s unaccounted-for puppies may also help solve his homicide,” the sheriff’s office stated in a public appeal. They have provided a tip line and encouraged the public to share any relevant information that could assist in the investigation.
Peavey was the owner of Elite European Dobermans, a business that reflected his lifelong passion for dogs. According to his business website, Peavey had been a dog lover since the age of 10 and was deeply committed to breeding the best European Dobermans in Colorado. Friends and acquaintances described his dogs as his life, offering him comfort and purpose through difficult times.
The loss of Paul Peavey has left a void in the community, and the ongoing investigation is now focused on finding justice for him and locating the missing puppies that were so dear to him. Authorities continue to seek leads and are urging anyone with information to contact them immediately.