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Murder investigation remains top priority

Dennis Webb
GSPI News Editor

GLENWOOD SPRINGS – Solving the murder of Tom Lubchenco remains the top priority of the Glenwood Springs Police Department, Chief Terry Wilson said Friday.

Police detective Dave Gruys and District Attorney’s Office investigator Phil Walters continue to work full-time on the investigation, with help from others.

Said Wilson, “We have a very active investigation that’s still got a lot of work to be done on it.”



“We’re still working on some things. Of course, we’re always hoping some additional information comes in.”

Police and Lubchenco’s widow, Ruth Lubchenco, are counting on the public to come forward with that information.



“Please do your Christian duty and help my husband rest in peace and give me and my family closure,” Ruth Lubchenco said.

“I want to see someone get nailed for this, and so would Tom,” she said.

After the murder, police described the killer as a 5-foot, 10-inch white male with a thin build, wearing a black baseball cap and a black jacket at the time of the shooting. Wilson said that description appears to be a reliable one, based on multiple and unwavering descriptions by several witnesses.

Ruth Lubchenco said she doesn’t believe her husband had any enemies, and investigators don’t believe the killer specifically targeted Lubchenco. They think the killer planned to commit some other crime, and Lubchenco had the misfortune of coming across him.

Police don’t believe the killer was committing a burglary at the time, Wilson said.

He said police believe someone may know more about the Lubchenco case. Maybe someone knew the perpetrator, or even assisted him. Maybe someone just knows something but is scared or intimidated.

Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to call Gruys at 384-6507 or Walter at 945-7005.

Murder is rare in Glenwood Springs, which make police all the more anxious to catch the killer.

“There is no higher priority,” said Wilson.

“In this town you take it personally. As far as I’m concerned, it’s as personal as it gets,” he said. “We won’t quit till he’s caught.”

Contact Dennis Webb: 945-8515, ext. 516

dwebb@postindependent.com


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