Jefferson County, CO. – On the night of Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 27000 block of South Timber Trail in Conifer for a welfare check. Neighbors were worried about the resident in the home, who they had not seen in a couple of days. The resident was later identified as 55-year old Michele Scott. Deputies found the home locked and dark with no one home.
On Monday, Feb. 14, neighbors spoke with a member of Michele’s family, who gave them permission to enter the home. Once inside, neighbors found the dogs had not been cared for, which caused them concern. Deputies arrived back at the house about 8 a.m. and upon entering, found concerning evidence suggesting foul play. The JCSO immediately deployed numerous resources to further search the property and begin a search for Michele.
Evidence found on her property gave investigators a reason to believe her ex-boyfriend, identified as 58-year old Wayne Lotz, was a person of interest in her disappearance. There is a history of domestic violence calls at that residence involving Michele and Lotz. The most recent call was on February 7. No arrests were warranted at that time.
On Monday, Lotz was surveilled and found to be driving Michele’s vehicle, a 2005 red Toyota Highlander, and in possession of Michele’s debit card. That prompted deputies to contact and arrest Lotz for a variety of charges including aggravated motor vehicle theft and criminal possession of a financial device. He was booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 1:45 a.m. on February 15. Lotz has a lengthy criminal history in Jefferson and Park counties.
Forensic technology led us to a location where Michele’s body was discovered just before 2 p.m. yesterday, near the intersection of Pleasant Park Road and High Grade Road in Conifer. Lotz faces charges of 1st degree murder, tampering with evidence, and tampering with a deceased human body.
Residents and businesses in the area are encouraged to look at their security camera footage from the past week for Michele’s red Toyota Highlander. If you have any information on this case, please call our tip line at 303-271-5612. You can remain anonymous.