(Douglas County, CO) The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce that investigators have resolved seven previously unsolved cold cases over the past seven years, most recently, the 1987 homicide of 30-year-old Rhonda Marie Fisher. This milestone reflects the Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing commitment to justice, innovation, and relentless investigative effort on behalf of victims and their families.
On April 1, 1987, a passing motorist discovered the body of Rhonda Marie Fisher down an embankment in the 3500 block of South Perry Park Road, south of Sedalia in rural Douglas County. Fisher had been sexually assaulted and strangled.
The investigation determined she was last seen alive the night before her death, walking north on Monaco toward Leetsdale in Denver. In the weeks leading up to her murder, she had been staying with various acquaintances, one of whom became a person of interest early in the case but was ultimately cleared. Detectives also investigated multiple serial offenders active in the Denver metro area from the 1970s through the 1990s.
Despite an extensive investigation and periodic reviews spanning nearly four decades, the case remained unsolved. Even with renewed DNA testing in 2017, no complete DNA profiles were produced to identify the perpetrator.
Breakthrough Through Evidence Reexamination and Advanced DNA Analysis
In early 2025, the DCSO Cold Case Unit reopened the investigation, undertaking a comprehensive review of all evidence in collaboration with a forensic scientist from the Unified Forensic Lab and staff from the Property & Evidence facility. As part of this renewed effort, additional items were resubmitted for DNA testing.
In late October, investigators received a case-to-case DNA match through the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). DNA recovered from the paper bags placed on Fisher’s hands—used to preserve trace evidence—matched biological evidence from three homicides committed in 1979 by Vincent Darrell Groves in Denver.
Obtaining a viable DNA profile from paper bags nearly four decades old is exceptionally rare and underscores the extraordinary value of meticulous evidence preservation and periodic forensic reevaluation.
About Vincent Darrell Groves
Vincent Groves is considered one of Colorado’s most prolific serial killers. His violent criminal activity primarily targeted vulnerable women between 1978 and 1988. Groves had documented involvement in sex trafficking and drug distribution and was convicted of murder in 1982—yet served fewer than five years before being released, only to commit additional violent crimes.
Through DNA and strong investigative leads, Groves is believed responsible for at least 12 homicides, an attempted murder, and a sexual assault in the Denver metro area, though the true number of victims is likely higher.
He died in 1996 while in Colorado Department of Corrections custody after convictions related to the 1988 murders of Diann Mancera in Douglas County and another victim in Adams County. These cases marked some of the earliest successful uses of DNA evidence in Colorado courts.
A Message From Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly:
“While Vincent Groves cannot be held accountable in a court of law, we hope this long-awaited resolution brings answers and a measure of peace to Rhonda Fisher’s family and friends. This case is a testament to our commitment to pursue justice for every victim—no matter how much time has passed.
Rhonda Fisher was a mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Her case exemplifies the dedication of DCSO investigators, forensic partners, and cold case specialists who continue to work tirelessly, often for years at a time, to bring closure to families who have endured unimaginable waits.”
Continuing Commitment to Cold Case Resolution
With seven cold cases solved in the past seven years, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in its mission to apply evolving technologies, revisit evidence with fresh perspectives, and forge strong forensic collaborations to ensure that no victim is forgotten.
“We will continue to prioritize cold cases,” said Sheriff Weekly. “As science evolves, so does our ability to uncover the truth. Our commitment to these investigations—and to the families who await answers—will never waver.”
For More Information: Email: pio@dcsheriff.net Phone: 720-770-0178
