Missing Colorado woman’s ex-boyfriend charged with first-degree murder after her body’s found in ravine

The ex-boyfriend of a Colorado woman was arrested on suspicion of murder after her body was found dumped in a ravine days after she went missing, police said.

On Feb. 13, worried neighbors requested a welfare check on 55-year-old Michele Scott of Conifer after they hadn’t seen or heard from, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies went to Scott’s home and found it locked and dark. The next day, Scott’s family gave the neighbors permission to enter the residence and they became increasingly concerned upon discovering the woman’s dogs were in need of care.

Detectives who investigated Scott's disappearance identified her ex-boyfriend, Wayne Lotz, 58, as a suspect in the case based on evidence found at her home, authorities said.

Lotz was arrested on Feb. 14 for investigation of aggravated motor vehicle theft and criminal possession of a financial device after he was allegedly caught driving Scott’s SUV and had her debit card, The Denver Post reported.

The following afternoon, Scott’s body was located near Conifer. Lotz now faces additional charges of first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and tampering with a body, according to the sheriff’s office.

The ex-couple had a history of domestic violence issues, authorities said, noting they last received a call concerning the pair on Feb. 7.