The disappearance of Jack 'Jax' Gratton, a 34-year-old and beloved hairstylist from Denver, Colorado, began in the spring of 2025, sparking deep concern within her community. Gratton, a transgender woman known for her vibrant personality and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community, was last seen leaving her apartment in the University Hills neighborhood on the evening of April 15, 2025.
Friends and family grew increasingly worried when she missed client appointments and they were unable to contact her. The concern escalated when it was discovered that her cat, purse, and necessary medication were all left behind in her home. Her sudden absence mobilized a community-wide search effort, with friends, family, and local organizations distributing flyers and using social media to raise awareness about her disappearance.
The search for Jax Gratton came to a heartbreaking end nearly two months after she was last seen. On June 6, 2025, her remains were discovered in a narrow alleyway in Lakewood, a neighboring city. The condition of her body, in an advanced state of decomposition, initially made identification difficult, but her family was later notified by detectives who were able to identify her through her tattoos. An autopsy was conducted, but due to the significant amount of time that had passed since her death, the cause and manner of her death were officially listed as undetermined. The autopsy report did note that injuries on her body were consistent with a fall from the second-story window of the apartment where she was last known to be.
The investigation into Gratton's death revealed that she had been with two men on the night she disappeared. According to statements made by the men to investigators, Gratton had used a drug and they left the apartment after she fell asleep. In March 2026, a grand jury indicted one of the men, Brandon David Mumma, on felony charges of tampering with a deceased human body and tampering with physical evidence. The indictment alleged that Mumma had moved Gratton's body and her personal belongings to avoid detection by law enforcement. Despite the indictment, many questions surrounding the circumstances of Gratton's death remain unanswered for her family and community. Her family has expressed frustration with the investigation and continues to advocate for justice and greater accountability. The case is a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by transgender individuals and has left a lasting impact on the Denver community.Last Seen: Apr 15, 2025
