Family Seeks Tips Two Years After Paul Gallenstein's Unsolved Trail Murder
Two years after Paul Gallenstein was killed on the Foothills Trail at Reservoir Ridge, his family continues their relentless campaign for justice through dozens of billboards across Northern Colorado. The Larimer County Sheriff's Office is still actively investigating his homicide, which occurred on September 10, 2023.
Gallenstein was more than the face on the roadside reminders—he was an avid fly fisherman, travel companion, devoted brother and beloved husband to those who knew him personally. His death on the popular Fort Collins-area trail remains a mystery despite ongoing investigative efforts.
"Headlines move on and anniversary dates pass, but for the families behind unsolved cases, every single day weighs heavy with the burden of unanswered questions," the sheriff's office stated in their renewed plea for information.
Active Investigation Continues
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office Investigations Division, which handles complex criminal cases, continues working every lead that comes in regarding Gallenstein's death. According to the Larimer County Sheriff's Office Crime Lab and Forensics unit, the department employs four full-time lab personnel who process evidence related to criminal cases, including homicide investigations.
When homicides occur in Larimer County, investigators follow protocols established by the Multi-Agency Critical Incident Response Team, which brings together highly trained personnel from multiple participating law enforcement agencies. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive investigation of serious crimes.
The department's Property & Evidence Unit manages a wide variety of items related to criminal cases, maintaining the chain of custody for evidence that could prove crucial to solving cold cases like Gallenstein's murder.
Community Appeal for Information
The sheriff's office emphasized that even as time passes, families of unsolved homicide victims carry the daily burden of unanswered questions. The Gallenstein family has offered a significant cash reward for tips leading to resolution of the case.
Anyone with information about Gallenstein's death can contact the tip line at (970) 498-7331 or submit information online at https://www.larimer.gov/sheriff/gallenstein. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
The Foothills Trail at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area, where Gallenstein was killed, is a popular recreational destination in the Fort Collins area. The sheriff's office continues to seek anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or has information about the homicide.
Investigators stress that no detail is too small and encourage anyone with knowledge about the case to come forward, regardless of how much time has passed since the incident occurred.