In a case that has captivated local and national interest in the US, the murder of Paul Peavey, a renowned Colorado dog breeder, has taken a chilling turn. Peavey, 57, was found dead on August 21 at the bottom of a hill on his 110-acre Idaho Springs property, his body covered by debris. The discovery was made by friend Bruce Boynton, who had grown concerned after Peavey failed to answer his phone.
“I’m the one that went up to the property and realized things were awry to the point where the puppies were gone, the house was tossed, anything of value missing,” Boynton recounted, revealing the disturbing scene, reported the Washington Post.The home was in disarray, with Peavey’s gun, metal detector equipment, and jewelry missing. The door to the shed where Peavey kept his Dobermans was open, and a few adult dogs were found wandering outside.
As per the reports, the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office has since arrested Sergio Ferrer, 36, on charges of murder and aggravated robbery. Ferrer was initially detained on an unrelated warrant from Nebraska but was identified as a person of interest in Peavey’s death. Authorities are now focusing on the missing puppies as a crucial piece of the puzzle. “Locating Peavey’s unaccounted-for puppies may also help solve his homicide,” the sheriff’s office said.
Peavey, known for his business Elite European Dobermans, bred high-quality Dobermans and was an active community member. His dedication to his dogs was evident, with each puppy trained to be both a trusted companion and a skilled guardian. “That was his life,” Boynton said. “I mean, that’s what kept him going, was those dogs,” quoted the Washington Post.
The missing puppies, all microchipped, may have been sold through social media since August 20. The sheriff’s office is urging anyone who has recently purchased a Doberman puppy to check for a microchip and report any findings.
Boynton’s frustration with the investigation’s initial handling led him to organize a search party. His group quickly located Peavey’s body, prompting an apology from Sheriff Matthew Harris for the mishandling of the initial welfare check. “I felt a lot of sadness and a lot of anger,” Boynton said.
As the search for Peavey’s stolen puppies continues, the case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the intersection of grief, crime, and the deep bond between a breeder and his beloved dogs. The investigation into Ferrer’s alleged involvement remains ongoing as authorities piece together the mystery surrounding Peavey’s tragic death.