Coloradan Sentenced to 24 Years for Killing Father, Dumping Body in Wyoming

A Black Hawk, Colorado man who was arrested in July of 2024 in connection with the homicide of his adoptive father, whose remains were found in Albany County, Wyoming, has been sentenced to prison.

RELATED: Colorado Teen Accused of Killing Father, Dumping Body in Wyoming

According to the Albany County Sheriff's Office, Jaymz Bitner was sentenced on Friday, Sept. 12, to 24 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections for the second-degree murder of 56-year-old James "Jim" Bitner.

Get our free mobile app

Case Background

Body Found

Jim's body was discovered wrapped in a blue tarp and moving blankets near Mirror Lake, a popular picnic and fishing stop about 14 miles west of Centennial on Snowy Range Road, on July 4, 2024.

RELATED: UPDATE: Body Found at Mirror Lake Was Wrapped in Tarp, Albany County Sheriff's Office Says

An autopsy determined Jim, who was initially referred to as “John Doe” but later identified through fingerprinting, died from a gunshot wound to the back of the head.

Investigation Launched

A multi-agency investigation was launched and investigators determined that Jim was killed on Nov. 12, 2023, at his home in Black Hawk.

ACSO spokeswoman Rebecca Hayes says Jaymz later confided in a family friend that he had shot his father and needed help disposing of the body.

"The friend refused to assist and reported the conversation to the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office, prompting a welfare check at the residence," Hayes said in a press release. "Deputies conducted the check but found no signs of suspicious activity at that time."

Incriminating Cell Phone Data

Hayes says cell phone location data placed Jaymz traveling from Gilpin County to Mirror Lake on Nov. 16 and 17, 2023.

"On the morning of Nov. 17, two witnesses encountered Jaymz at the entrance to Mirror Lake," Hayes said. "He told them that he and a friend were there to watch the sunrise."

"While the witnesses had no knowledge of the crime, they later reported that
the interaction felt unusual," she added. "After a press release was issued in this case, they came forward and, through a photo lineup, identified Jaymz as the man they had seen at Mirror Lake."

Hayes says additional cell phone records showed Jaymz leaving Mirror Lake, traveling through Saratoga, and then eastbound on Interstate 80 toward Cheyenne.

"During this time, he texted a friend in Colorado asking for help with gas money, offering to pay with silver coins," said Hayes. "When the friend agreed and purchased fuel for him, Jaymz admitted that he had disposed of his father’s body after killing him."

Jaymz was arrested by the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office on July 28, 2024, and ultimately pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

Threat of Eviction, Years of Emotional Abuse Led to Killing

Hayes says according to witness testimony, the incident occurred after an argument in which Jim threatened to evict Jaymz from the home, leading to Jaymz pulling out a gun and fatally shooting his father.

However, Jaymz’s attorney argued that the killing was the culmination of years of emotional abuse by his father.

"The Albany County Sheriff’s Office acknowledges the tireless work of Detectives McKinney and Curtis, along with our partnering agencies, whose determination led to resolution in this case," said Hayes. "We extend our condolences to the Bitner family and all those affected by this."

"We also want to thank the community for its support throughout this lengthy investigation," Hayes added. "While justice has been served, this case underscores the importance of collaboration, persistence, and vigilance in bringing closure to victims and their families."