Colorado Trio Accused of Killing 62-Year-Old Man With Flashlight, Dumping His Body in the Desert After Plot to ‘Teach Him a Lesson’
FRUITA, CO — Three Colorado residents — two teenagers and a 21-year-old man — have been arrested after police say they beat a 62-year-old man to death, tied up his body, and dumped him in the desert in a premeditated attack fueled by anger and revenge.
The disturbing case began when police found a body in a remote section of the 21 Road desert area, sparking an investigation that quickly uncovered a violent plot involving the victim’s own niece.
Police: Fight at Local Bar Sparked Deadly Plot
According to arrest affidavits, 18-year-old Sarah Bess, her fiancé 18-year-old Weston Owen, and friend 21-year-old Kellar Weisgerber were at a bar with Bess’ uncle, John Krabbe, on the night of the killing.
Bess served as the designated driver.
Investigators say the turning point came when Owen claimed he saw Krabbe touch Bess’ neck — a gesture he interpreted as an attempt to molest her.
Fueled by anger, Owen allegedly called Weisgerber and said he wanted help to “teach John a lesson.” Police say that phrase was later revealed to be code for murder.
Affidavit: Attack Carried Out While Victim Slept
Detectives say the trio waited until Krabbe fell asleep before launching their attack.
According to the affidavit:
- Owen beat Krabbe with a flashlight,
- Weisgerber held him down,
- And Bess later told investigators she heard the moment “his skull cracked.”
Police say Owen then strangled Krabbe to ensure he was dead, while Bess checked his pulse and found none.
The brutality did not end there.
Body Tied, Dragged, and Dumped in the Desert
After the killing, investigators say the suspects used red rope to bind Krabbe’s hands and feet.
From there:
- Owen and Weisgerber allegedly dragged the body through the home,
- Loaded it into Krabbe’s own vehicle,
- And drove it to a remote desert location west of Fruita.
Police say they dumped the body behind a bush and attempted to cover their tracks.
The affidavit states the suspects later burned blood-soaked items and clothing to destroy evidence.
Alibi Attempt Falls Apart After Phone Call to Mother
As the men burned evidence, Bess reportedly walked away and pretended to take photos. But instead of supporting the cover-up, she called her mother.
She claimed Owen had held a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her if she told anyone about the murder.
She asked her mother to call police.
Officers responded, and soon all three suspects were in custody.
Suspects Face Murder, Conspiracy, and Abuse of Corpse Charges
Police announced the arrests of:
- Weston Owen, 18
- Sarah Bess, 18
- Kellar Weisgerber, 21
Each is charged with:
- First-degree murder
- Conspiracy
- Tampering with physical evidence
- Abuse of a corpse
A judge has set $2 million bond for each suspect. All three are scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 5.
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