Kristal Anne Reisinger, a 29-year-old mother, was seeking a spiritual path when she moved to the small and remote town of Crestone, Colorado. Originally from Arizona, she had faced a challenging childhood, which led her to seek a more peaceful and enlightened existence. Crestone, known as a hub for various spiritual practices and attracting 'truth-seekers,' seemed like the perfect place for her.
In 2015, she relocated from Denver, where she had been living, and immersed herself in the local community, finding work at a brewery. Described as a compassionate and sensitive person with an infectious laugh, her life revolved around her young daughter, who remained in Denver with her father. Kristal was deeply spiritual, with interests in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Native American traditions, and also practiced tarotology.
The last confirmed sighting of Kristal Reisinger was on July 13, 2016, at her apartment in downtown Crestone. However, some locals reported seeing her at a full moon drum circle on July 18, 2016, a common community gathering in the spiritually-focused town. Her disappearance was officially reported on July 30, 2016, by her landlord, who became concerned after not hearing from her. Upon entering her apartment, investigators found all of her personal belongings, including her cell phone and medication, left behind. This discovery was alarming to those who knew her, as it suggested she had not planned to leave, especially considering her devotion to her daughter, with whom she was in frequent contact. The circumstances immediately raised suspicions of foul play.
Prior to her disappearance, Kristal had confided in her landlord and a friend that she had been drugged and sexually assaulted at a party. This revelation has been a significant focus of the investigation. The case, which was initially treated as a missing person investigation, was reclassified to one of suspected foul play by 2018, with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation joining the Saguache County Sheriff's Office in the effort. The investigation has been complex, with various individuals identified as persons of interest over the years. Despite extensive searches, including a targeted K-9 search with human remains detection dogs in August 2025, no conclusive evidence leading to her whereabouts has been found. The case has garnered national attention, notably being featured on the 'Up and Vanished' podcast, which helped to generate new leads and maintain public awareness. The Saguache County Sheriff's Office and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation continue to investigate her disappearance, urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. The overview of the case paints a somber picture of a young mother who vanished under highly suspicious circumstances, leaving behind a daughter and a community searching for answers.Last Seen: Jul 13, 2016
