Gerald J. Drieling, a 40-year-old farmer from Fort Lupton, Colorado, was found dead at his home on August 27, 1986. He had been at a family gathering earlier that day and left to check irrigation water; when he did not return a family member entered the house and discovered him lying face down in the hallway with a fatal gunshot wound.

Investigators reported no signs of a violent struggle at the scene, but evidence suggested Drieling may have returned home and unexpectedly interrupted a burglary. The scene indicated he had been forced to lie down in the hallway before being shot, and the perpetrator or perpetrators fled without being identified.

The Weld County Sheriff’s Office continues to treat the case as an active cold case. No suspects have been publicly named and no arrests have been announced. If anyone in Fort Lupton in 1986 remembers unusual activity near the Drieling property or has information relevant to the case, please contact the Weld County Sheriff’s Office.