CO CHRISTOPHER ABEYTA: Missing from Colorado Springs, CO - 15 July 1986 - Age 7 months

1580609172396.png

Christopher's photo is shown age-progressed to 32 years. He was discovered missing from his crib in the early hours of July 15, 1986.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

In the early morning hours of July 15, 1986, Christopher's parents couldn't locate their son. They had put him to bed at midnight and found his crib empty in the morning. Their garage door opener was missing and a basement window was open. Christopher has never been heard from again. At 6:30 a.m., his parents alerted the police. Arriving officers couldn't find any signs of forced entry, but the front door was unlocked on the night of his disappearance.

Members of Christopher's family initially seemed like potential suspects in his case. His parents had separated prior to his disappearance but were reconciling, and the night of Christopher's disappearance was the first night his father had spent in the home since the separation. His mother failed two polygraph exams, which she attributed to a withdrawal from tranquilizers.

Authorities haven't cleared either of Christopher's parents of involvement in the case or charged them in connection with it. Three weeks after he vanished, they drained Quail Lake, three blocks from the family's home, to search for his body. They recovered nothing.

Christopher's family member refuse to consider him deceased. They believe he and his guardians don't know he's an abducted child. Christopher's loved ones operate a site featuring information about his case. Texas and New Mexico top the list of his possible locations. According to the website, the family had been receiving hang-up phone calls for about six months before Christopher disappeared. The calls stopped when he vanished, then resumed again several months later.

His sister believes the abductor was Emma Bradshaw, a woman who'd had an affair with Christopher's father and had a history of break-ins. Bradshaw maintains her innocence in the baby's disappearance and the police have not named her as a suspect. In 2015, Bradshaw won a civil judgement for $150,000 against Christopher's sister for interfering with her employment.

Some time after Christopher's disappearance, the Colorado Springs Police Department destroyed most of the case evidence; his family accused them of negligence and incompetence in their investigation. His disappearance remains unsolved.


NCMEC - NamUs - Doe Network - Charley Project -
edited by staff to add media link
 
Last edited by a moderator:
When I was in college, I was in a psychology class with a young man that looked JUST LIKE the age-progression picture of Christopher at the time. I actually posted about it online (I think a Facebook post about his disappearance) and someone from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children actually reached out to me to get info on the guy. That was many years ago so nothing ever came of it.
That's wonderful you acted on it. That's very commendable.
 
it's happened quite a bit. I started noticing it with Lisa Irwin, but had probably just not noticed it until then. I had started noticing it after that and noticing it on older cases after re-reading some of them. I guess I just never paid attention to the 'rules' of them.
I didn't know it wasn't aware it even happened. Ever. I think it's foolish to do it. People wait years to work up the courage to come forward. And sadly, Money is more of an incentive. Maybe they are doing it to make someone come forward with information ASAP by having it expire. IDK.
 

COLD CASE: Where is Christopher Abeyta​

It’s been 37 years since 7-month-old Christopher Abeyta was taken from his parents’ bedroom in the middle of the night, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

In 1986, officers were called to the 3300 block of Ashwood Circle just west of Quail Lake on the south side of the city. Officers got the call at about 6:30 a.m. When they arrived, they were told Abeyta was last seen in his crib at about 12:30 a.m. His family members said when they woke up, he was gone.

An investigation found the home garage door opener was missing and their basement window was open, per CBI.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children released an age progression photo of Abeyta in 2018. They used family photos and technology to create a photo of what Abeyta might look like at 32 years old.

In February 2019, CSPD tested and received results from three DNA samples from people who believed they might be the missing boy. DNA samples were tested between August and October of that year but none matched.

The Colorado Springs Police Department said circumstances surrounding Abeyta’s disappearance are considered suspicious. If you have any information, call police at (719) 444-7000.
 

MISSING: Baby reportedly taken in Colorado Springs 38 years ago, police continue to ask for help​

The search for answers continues 38 years after a baby was reported missing in Colorado Springs.

Christopher Abeyta, 7 months old at the time, was last seen in his crib at about 12:30 in the morning on July 15, 1986. No suspects have been identified and the case is cold. Abeyta lived in the 3300 block of Ashwood Circle.

“We’re not going to stop looking for him,” Denise Alves the sister of Christopher told 11 News in 2018. “We’re not going to stop seeking answers. We’re going to continue to do what we’ve done for three decades.”


 
Last edited:
I just posted in Lisa Irwin's. Same here in that I don't buy it.

I mean someone known to the parents could do such or someone jealous or who feels the baby ties them. Other than that, nah. RARE. And such are ALWAYS in the middle of the night. This one from the foot of the bed. And another fair sized city. A lot further back though.

I'm not going to repeat what I did in Irwin but much of the same imo applies.

I'd bet money neither is a total stranger abduction and not probably even someone outside the household abduction. Unless yeah maybe some jealous gf or bf or one someone is having an affair with. Still RARE.

I mean name the cases they've ever found such in to be true.
 

Beyond the Case: Christopher Abeyta​

In this week’s episode of Beyond the Case, we’re taking a look at the bizarre disappearance of baby Christopher Abeyta.

He was 7-months-old when he disappeared in the early morning of July 15, 1986. He went missing in the middle of the night after one of his sisters bottle-fed him and put him in his crib.

VIDEO AT LINK
 

‘We are not going to stop’: Family still seeking answers 39 years after baby was stolen from crib​

A family in Colorado is still searching for answers after their 7-month-old baby boy was stolen from his crib 39 years ago.

Christopher Abeyta, 7 months old at the time, was last seen in his crib at about 12:30 in the morning on July 15, 1986.

No suspects have been identified and the case is cold.


“We’re not going to stop looking for him,” Denise Alves the sister of Christopher told KKTV. “We’re not going to stop seeking answers. We’re going to continue to do what we’ve done for three decades.”

In 2017, Christopher’s mother, Bernice Abeyta, lost her battle with cancer. Until her dying day, Bernice believed justice would be served for her son Christopher.

In 2020, his father, Gil Abeyta, died, but details surrounding his death were not available.
 
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The family of Christopher Abeyta, a boy who disappeared from Colorado Springs in 1986, has renewed hope in solving the case after discovering new evidence related to his abduction.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) recently released an age-progressed image of Christopher, depicting what he might look like at 39 years old. This development comes as the family claims to have uncovered substantial new evidence that could impact the investigation.

ai-pic-.jpg

“It’s the evidence pertaining to the night my brother disappeared,” said Denise Alves, Christopher Abeyta’s sister. “We think it will propel his investigation.”

On July 15, 1986, Christopher Abeyta was taken from his crib at the family’s home in southwestern Colorado Springs during the night. He has not been seen since.

Alves, who has taken over the search after the passing of Christopher’s parents, said that her father had given police the name of a person they believed was stalking the family at the time of the kidnapping. However, she claims that officers never interviewed this individual.

all-ai-picas-.jpg

“This person of interest has a relative who stated that he was her alibi that night. And the new information we have is that this individual, their story has changed,” Alves said.

The family is advocating for Governor Jared Polis to allow the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to take over the case from the Colorado Springs Police Department. “We don’t want this to be another missed opportunity,” said Alves.

baby-.jpg

Alves also urged anyone with knowledge of the kidnapper or who has kept secrets about the case to come forward, expressing a need for peace even if Christopher is not alive.

The renewed push by Christopher Abeyta’s family highlights their determination to find answers nearly 40 years after his disappearance. With new evidence and a call for a fresh investigation, they hope to finally uncover the truth behind the decades-old mystery.

If you have any information regarding this case, contact CSPD or call NCMEC 1-800-the-lost
 
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The family of Christopher Abeyta, a boy who disappeared from Colorado Springs in 1986, has renewed hope in solving the case after discovering new evidence related to his abduction.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) recently released an age-progressed image of Christopher, depicting what he might look like at 39 years old. This development comes as the family claims to have uncovered substantial new evidence that could impact the investigation.

ai-pic-.jpg

“It’s the evidence pertaining to the night my brother disappeared,” said Denise Alves, Christopher Abeyta’s sister. “We think it will propel his investigation.”

On July 15, 1986, Christopher Abeyta was taken from his crib at the family’s home in southwestern Colorado Springs during the night. He has not been seen since.

Alves, who has taken over the search after the passing of Christopher’s parents, said that her father had given police the name of a person they believed was stalking the family at the time of the kidnapping. However, she claims that officers never interviewed this individual.

all-ai-picas-.jpg

“This person of interest has a relative who stated that he was her alibi that night. And the new information we have is that this individual, their story has changed,” Alves said.

The family is advocating for Governor Jared Polis to allow the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to take over the case from the Colorado Springs Police Department. “We don’t want this to be another missed opportunity,” said Alves.

baby-.jpg

Alves also urged anyone with knowledge of the kidnapper or who has kept secrets about the case to come forward, expressing a need for peace even if Christopher is not alive.

The renewed push by Christopher Abeyta’s family highlights their determination to find answers nearly 40 years after his disappearance. With new evidence and a call for a fresh investigation, they hope to finally uncover the truth behind the decades-old mystery.

If you have any information regarding this case, contact CSPD or call NCMEC 1-800-the-
 

Sister of missing Colorado infant speaks on Christopher Abeyta amid Nancy Guthrie case​

For decades, Denise Alves has carried the pain of her brother Christopher Abeyta’s disappearance. On July 15, 1986, seven-month-old Christopher vanished from his Colorado Springs home while sleeping in his crib. He was the youngest of Gil and Bernice Abeyta’s seven children.

“I laid him in his crib with my mom that night. So it was the last time I saw him,” Alves said. “He was so loved.”

Christopher’s family believes he was abducted by someone who knew the household’s habits. Authorities explored several theories, including abduction, baby-selling schemes, and revenge-related motives, but no suspect has ever been charged. Over the years, the family has invested nearly $1 million in searches, hired private investigators, and followed leads across the country and into Mexico.

Alves said the recent disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, 84, from her home in Tucson, Arizona, has been difficult to watch but also serves as a reminder of the urgent need for resources in missing person cases. Guthrie, the mother of NBC journalist Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on Jan. 31, 2026, and is believed to have been abducted. Authorities discovered blood in her home, and a masked, armed individual appeared on doorbell camera footage. The FBI is investigating, and a ransom demand has been reported.

“It doesn’t go without stating that the Guthrie case has captivated the news and people,” Alves said. “I’m glad it’s getting attention. I know that with more resources, there’s a better chance of answers.”

Alves said watching media coverage of the Guthrie case brings back memories of her family’s own struggles.

“Even after all of this time, Christopher, the anniversary date of his disappearance will be July, and it will be 40 years since he went missing. But to my family, it doesn’t feel like 40 years,” she said. “We still hold on to hope that we’re going to have answers. We’ve never lost that hope.”

Despite the setbacks, Alves remains determined. She cites the memory of Christopher and her parents’ efforts as motivation to continue the search.
 

Christopher Abeyta disappeared from his crib 40 years ago​

It has been 40 years since Christopher Abeyta was taken from his crib in Colorado, and his family has yet to give up on their efforts to bring him home.


His sister described the night.

“It was a calm night. It was a peaceful night, summertime, and we had company over for dinner,” Denise Alves said. “My mom and dad had been separated, but they’d been reconciling, so he was over at the house.”

The family and friends watched Christopher mark a milestone.

“We did a pretend sneeze, and he laughed again, and he pulled himself up onto the coffee table. That was the first time ever that he pulled himself up,” Alves said.

Alves gave her brother his bottle, and she and her mom put him to bed in his crib. But by morning, everything had changed.

At 6 a.m., Bernice Abeyta woke and saw that Christopher wasn’t in his crib. She went to check whether one of her six other children had taken him a bottle, but they were asleep. In a panic, she woke them.

“What I remember most out of it was her eyes and her looking at me, and it was fear,” Alves said. “Like I’ve never seen my mom before.”

The house quickly filled with family and police.

“It was very calm, there was no tape. They weren’t taping off the house, there were no fingerprints taken,” Alves said. “Even though a baby was gone and missing, it was like someone had stolen a bike.”

Police questioned the family. It was then that Gil Abeyta admitted he was having an affair.

“My parents had been separated since March. That night Christopher was taken was the first night he stayed in the house. They had been reconciling,” Alves said.

In the early days, however, police focused on Bernice Abeyta.

The family hired private investigators, tracking every lead. Then, in January of 1987, they began getting hang-up calls, just like calls they had gotten before Christopher went missing.

Police put a tracer on the phone and traced the calls ot the office of the woman Gil Abeyta had been having an affair with.

Bernice Abeyta asked her husband to remain in contact with the woman, in case there was a connection to Christopher’s disappearance. The woman asked him to haul out some trash from her mother’s house.

Gil Abeyta obliged, and he and his wife sorted through it on their lawn, finding phone records for the hang-up calls, both to their home and Christopher’s grandparents’ home.

“The phone bill was from her mother’s house, but it had my mother’s parents’ phone number as a number they made [calls] to them,” Alves said. “So the victim’s grandparents’ number is on their phone bill. Why are they calling one month before my brother is taken?”

Police say they checked the woman out but said they did not have enough probable cause to make an arrest.

In the course of the family’s investigations, they found she had been charged with harassing another man she’d had an affair with.

“What we know about this woman, by court records and other people’s records, is that she walked into other people’s homes,” Alves said. “She literally broke into other people’s homes, men she was having relationships with. So she’s capable of that.”


Forty years after Christopher disappeared, his parents are gone. It’s now his siblings who are left trying to find him.

“He was taken, and if he was murdered out of revenge, somebody has gotten away with that. A baby. If he was taken and he’s living out there having a life … he has the right to know he had a family,” Alves said. “It’s weird saying 40 years because it doesn’t feel like 40 years.”
 

Forum statistics

Threads
3,287
Messages
299,137
Members
1,108
Latest member
LoLo_63
Back
Top Bottom