Grand Junction Cold Case: Patricia Haywood

Patricia Haywood 18, was found July 1, 1964.

This is by far the oldest cold case in Grand Junction. Patricia Haywood. 52 years later and this still haunts the family and police.

Haywood was found shortly after 9 a.m. on July 1 in this alley around 17th street in Grand Junction. She had been shot in the head. Her clothes had been torn, but no signs of sexual assault were present.

Neighbors in that area claim they did hear 'possible' gunshots that night. However, most just assumed that the noises were early fireworks for the upcoming holiday. Haywood is believed to have been walking to her mother's apartment located at 1827 Bunting Avenue. She had been out with friends earlier that night.

No real suspects were ever uncovered or discernible evidence ever found. The Grand Junction police did bring in Haywood's best friend Rojean Chaparro, the last person 'known' to be seen with Patricia. That August a polygraph was administered.

Here's the timeline from that night:

'Haywood and Chaparro took in a “boring” movie at the former Rocket Drive-in on North Avenue and left around 10:30 p.m., mindful of a midnight curfew imposed by Chaparro’s father.

They cruised North Avenue, before eventually stopping at a coffee shop. Haywood reportedly dropped off Chaparro at the Chaparro home at 2429 Orchard Ave, around 12:15 a.m., according to a Daily Sentinel account published in July 1964. While Bill Haywood lived with his sons at the time at 1225 N. 16th St., his wife had recently moved into a small apartment at 1827 Bunting Ave. Patty lived with her mother.

“She said, ‘I need to get the keys back to dad,’ but I told her just to get up in the morning and take them over there,” Chaparro said.

They laughed together when Patty said, “I’d walk, but I’m afraid I might get jumped.”

Authorities believe Haywood made it to 1225 N. 16th St. because the Catalina was parked July 1 in the driveway, its keys on a bookcase inside the home.'

Unfortunately, after this much time has passed, there is not a whole lot anyone can do.

Here is the website for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.