KIOWA COUNTY, CO. — Human remains found in Kiowa County, Colorado on Sept. 20 were positively identified as two women from Kansas and a suspect is in custody.
On Wednesday, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reported the Kiowa County Coroner’s Office confirmed the remains belong to Linda Estrada, 44, and Amy Ford, 39, both of Emporia, Kansas, according to a media release.
An arrest warrant was issued for a suspect in this case identified as 36-year-old Phillip Lieurence. He being held at a jail in Emporia on unrelated charges including Aggravated Assault; Use of Deadly Weapon• Agg Battery While DUI, Distribute Marijuana 25-450 grams, Reckless Driving, Flee or Attempt to Elude LEO; motor vehicle accident or damage property, Reckless Driving, Duty of Driver Dmg Unattnd Veh, DUI, Agg Battery;intent physical contact weap, Criminal Damage to Property.
The Emporia Police Department began their investigation in the case September 11, after a family member reported Linda Estrada as missing.
Police learned Estrada and Amy Ford had been together in Colorado the previous weekend. Amy was reported missing shortly after the investigation began.
Emporia Police Investigations Division utilized cellular phone technology, along with security videos and solid police work to track the the two woman throughout Colorado. The investigation led detectives to portions of eastern Colorado and western Kansas.
Authorities in Colorado spent 5 days searching with the aid of K9s, airplanes, drones and ground searches. On September 18, Emporia detectives traveled to eastern Colorado where they coordinated with local authorities. Just before 4p.m. CDT, Wednesday, the bodies were found in rural eastern Colorado.
The Kiowa County Sheriff's office is in charge of the homicide investigation in conjunction with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.