97-Year-Old Woman Died in the Snow — and Police Say It Wasn’t an Accident, It Was a Family Betrayal

Authorities in Colorado are investigating the hypothermia death of an elderly woman as a homicide.

Corrye Brewer, 97, was last seen around 1 p.m. on Jan. 24, in Peyton, Colo., according to a statement from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Brewer was reported missing by family the following day, Fox 21 reports.

The CBI said Brewer suffered from a cognitive impairment that affected her memory and required medication. 

In a Jan. 27 update, the National Center for Missing and Endangered, Inc. announced that Brewer had been found dead and shared their condolences with her family.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time,” the Facebook post read. “We are deeply saddened by your loss and want you to know that our thoughts are with you and your family. Please remember that you are not alone; we are here to support you in any way we can.”

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Deputies with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office found Brewer’s body outside an abandoned house, CBS News reports, citing authorities.

Since then, Brewer’s autopsy report has been released by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, which ruled her death a homicide, according to Fox 21, KKTV and CBS News.

Per the autopsy report obtained by the outlets, a family member is alleged to have purposefully left Brewer outside in the cold on Jan. 24, without her personal belongings or any way to find shelter. The report states that temperatures dropped to 16 degrees that day, and it snowed.

Brewer’s grandson spoke with CBS News, telling the news outlet, “Somebody needs to be held accountable” for her death.

The sheriff’s office said the case remains under investigation, according to KKTV.