La Plata County Sheriff Sean Smith said Tuesday afternoon at a news conference about the grand jury indictment of Mark Redwine that “no stone was left unturned” in the investigation of the death of teenager Dylan Redwine.
Smith and 6th Judicial District Attorney Christian Champagne shared few details about the case, both citing the need to preserve the integrity of the investigation. The officials addressed a room full of media organizations, in addition to Elaine Hall, Dylan’s mother, and several friends and community supporters.
“It’s time for justice,” Champagne said.
Smith and Champagne confronted questions about why it took 4½ years until Mark Redwine was arrested in connection with his son’s death. It has been a repeated question from friends and community members who have watched the case closely.
“We are not here because the investigation took so long or for questions about indictment,” Smith said. “We’re here for justice for Dylan Redwine.”
Champagne said patience was “critical” in the investigation, because he wants to ensure a successful trial and the ability to seat a jury pooled from La Plata County residents.
He also said the DA and sheriff offices called on dozens of other law enforcement agencies to help them with the case.
“We’re very grateful and appreciative to the grand jury on this case. We’re moving forward from here,” he said.
Redwine was arrested shortly before midnight Friday in Bellingham, Washington, on suspicion of second-degree murder and child abuse causing death.
Body cameras worn by Bellingham police officers show Redwine stepping out of his truck and lying on the ground. After being read his Miranda rights, a sergeant tells Redwine he has an arrest warrant for second-degree murder, and Redwine responds: “I have no idea what that’s about.”
He wore a red T-shirt, shorts, Nike flip-fops and had a Bluetooth device in his right ear at the time of his arrest. He had a trainee named Ricardo in the passenger seat of the truck who said he was aware Redwine had a deceased son, but had no idea Redwine was a suspect in the boy’s death.
“He’s a good dude,” Ricardo can be heard saying. “I know something happened with his son.”
Redwine is being held on $1 million cash-only bail in a Washington detention center.
He is scheduled for an extradition hearing Aug. 17, at which time Redwine will waive or contest extradition from Washington state to Colorado.
Dylan, who was living with his mother in Colorado Springs, arrived in Durango on Nov. 18, 2012, for a court-ordered visit with his father.
Video surveillance from the Durango-La Plata County Airport and Walmart in Durango show little to no interaction between Dylan and his father. After a stop at McDonald’s, Redwine drove his son to his house near Vallecito Reservoir.
Dylan was not seen or heard from after that night.
His disappearance set off a massive, multi-day search.
Some of Dylan’s remains were found in June 13 up Middle Mountain Road, about 8 miles from Redwine’s home. His skull was located by hikers Nov. 1, 2015, about 1½ miles from the previous remains. The skull had what appeared to be small knife marks, according to the four-page indictment.
During Monday’s news conference, Sheriff Smith said investigators did not tell Mark Redwine that they found Dylan’s skull during that search. He said he does not know if and how Redwine learned about the skull.
Mark Redwine has denied any wrongdoing.
The case gained national attention, inclining segments on “Nancy Grace” and “Dr. Phil.”
Tuesday’s news conference drew news media from Denver and Albuquerque.
shane@durangoherald.com
How it works
District Attorney Christian Champagne explained a few legal procedures being used in the criminal case against Mark Redwine, who is suspected of second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death.
How does bail work?
Bail is money jail inmates post with the court to ensure their future attendance. If defendants attend all of their court hearings, their bail money is returned.
“It’s basically like making sure you have a stake in the game and that you don’t run,” Champagne said.
In most cases, defendants can post bail through a bail bondsman, in which defendants pay 15 percent of the bail and the bondsman covers the rest. Mark Redwine is being held on a cash-only bail, meaning he’s not allow to go through a bail bondsman and must put up the full amount himself.
What is an extradition and how does it work?
Extradition is an agreement among states to transfer prisoners across state lines.
“When a fugitive from one state is found in another state, it’s the agreement that allows the states to transfer that person to where they’re wanted for the crime,” Champagne said.
If defendants contest extradition, prosecutors must prove the person being detained is the person who is wanted in another state. They can do this through photographs, social security numbers, fingerprints and other methods. State’s also must show “probable case” that a crime was committed.
What happens if Mark Redwine contests extradition?
Mark Redwine will have a hearing in which prosecutors must prove his identity and show he is likely connected to a crime in Colorado.
What is a grand jury?
A grand jury is a group of 12 citizens who are asked to determine whether probable cause exits in a criminal case presented to them.
“They’re not deciding the ultimate question of guilt or innocence,” Champagne said. “They’re only deciding whether probable cause exists and whether this person who is being presented to them committed the crime.”
