Judith Katchen, R.I.P.: No Progress in Search for Denver Native's Killer

The mostly brief reports about the violent death of Judith Katchen tend to describe her in the same way — as simply a 78-year-old woman.

But her online obituary makes it clear that she was much more than that.

She was a loving, and beloved, mother and grandmother who lived a rich life in Denver, where she was born — and where she died in a shocking and brutal manner.

And at this writing, Denver police investigators have no updates to offer about the search for her killer.


Early on August 19, Denver police officers conducted a welfare check at Katchen's home, on the 2500 block of South Dennison Court.

Katchen was dead upon their arrival.

According to the report from the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner, she died from sharp and blunt-force injuries.

In the meantime, the Denver Police Department announced via Twitter that a homicide investigation had been launched into the death of an "elderly female" subsequently identified as Katchen, adding, "No suspect information available at this time."


A police spokesman subsequently told the Denver Post that the incident was seen as "isolated" but wouldn't reveal whether investigators considered the killing to have been random or if Katchen had known her attacker.

More than two weeks later, we checked with the DPD to see if any progress had been made — and there's no news to report.

No doubt this situation only adds to the heartache being felt by Katchen's family — two children, a sister, a sister-in-law and two grandchildren.

Her obit notes that she was born in Denver on May 31, 1937, attended East High School and CU Boulder, loved playing bridge and had "an astute knowledge of the stock market."

She was also "artistic, creative and beautiful," as is abundantly clear from the photos that were shared online.

When you look at them, you're likely to picture your mom, your grandma, your loved ones — the people who make life worth living. And like us, we suspect you'll be even more disturbed that the person or persons who caused Judith Katchen's death presumably continue to walk the streets.

If you have any information about this case, you're encouraged to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867). Continue to see more photos of the late Judith Katchen, to whose friends, family and loved ones we offer our sincere condolences.