206 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
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Description
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Joseph Michael Ervin: A Detailed Account of His Crimes

Early Life and First Crime

Joseph Michael Ervin, born on June 25, 1951, in Fort Worth, Texas, began his criminal activities at a young age. On August 9, 1969, at the age of 17, Ervin committed his first known murder. He shot 21-year-old Rodney Gene Bonham in the neck near the Berry Bowl bowling alley in Fort Worth. Bonham succumbed to his injuries four days later.

Crimes in Colorado

After fleeing to Colorado and changing his name to Joe Michael Erwing, Ervin continued his criminal activities. Between 1970 and 1977, he was repeatedly charged with offenses such as burglary, rape, and assault with a deadly weapon, but was found not guilty on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Victims

  • Rodney Gene Bonham - August 9, 1969, Fort Worth, Texas
  • Madeleine Furey-Livaudais - December 7, 1978, Denver, Colorado
  • Delores Barajas - 1980, Denver, Colorado
  • Gwendolyn Harris - December 1980, Denver, Colorado
  • Antoinette Parks - January 24, 1981, Denver, Colorado
  • Debra Sue Corr - 1981, Denver, Colorado
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Victims
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Confirmed Victims: (6)
  • Rodney Gene Bonham Age: (21), Date of Death: August 9, 1969
  •     ...View 5 additional victims
    Survivors:
  • Glenn Joseph Spies Age: (19), Date of Attack: June 27, 1981
  • Links to Additional Sources (10)
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    Killer's Details

    Joseph Michael

    Ervin

    June 25, 1951 Fort Worth, Texas, United States

    July 1, 1981 (aged 30) Brighton, Colorado, United States

    Suicide by hanging

    Joe Michael Erwing

    Male

    Black

    6

    1969 & 1978 - 1981

    Texas, Colorado

    Fort Worth (TX), Denver (CO), Aurora (CO)

    June 27, 1981

    Adams County Jail

    07/03/2025