The Unsolved Murder Mystery of Oakey “Al” Kite in Aurora Colorado

The murder of Oakey “Al” Kite in Aurora, Colorado, in May 2004 remains one of the most chilling unsolved crimes in recent history. Kite, a well-liked, quiet 53-year old man, was brutally murdered in his home by an unknown individual. The case drew significant attention due to the unusual behavior of the suspect and the shocking violence of the crime. Despite numerous investigative efforts, the identity of Kite’s killer continues to elude law enforcement, leaving his family and friends searching for answers.

Who Was Oakey “Al” Kite?

Oakey “Al” Kite was a native of Virginia, born in 1949. He later moved to Aurora, Colorado, where he worked as a financial consultant. Described as a kind and dependable man, Kite was known for his strong work ethic, friendly demeanor, and close relationships with his family and friends. He had no known enemies, and by all accounts, lived a quiet, uneventful life.

Kite had a reputation for being extremely generous. He rented out the lower portion of his townhouse to help a colleague who was in need, which tragically may have been the very thing that led to his murder. The community and those who knew him were left in shock, struggling to comprehend how such a terrible event could happen to someone so peaceful and caring.

The Discovery of the Crime

The horror of Oakey Kite’s murder was discovered on May 24, 2004, after his girlfriend became worried when she hadn’t heard from him in some time. When police arrived at his residence at 2002 South Lima Street in Aurora, they found a grisly scene. Kite had been brutally attacked and tortured before being killed. His body was found in the basement of his home, and the level of violence used in the murder suggested a very deliberate and personal motive.

The autopsy revealed that Kite had been stabbed multiple times and that he had suffered for an extended period before succumbing to his injuries. The crime scene pointed to a perpetrator who had some level of planning, as the killer had used bindings to restrain Kite, inflicting severe pain before delivering the fatal blows. It was clear that the killer took his time during the attack, which further puzzled investigators.

The Mysterious Tenant

One of the most perplexing aspects of the Oakey Kite murder is the identity of the suspect. Several weeks before his death, Kite rented out the basement of his townhouse to a man who presented himself as a tenant. This man had contacted Kite through a rental listing and, after an in-person meeting, moved into the property.

What is known about this mysterious individual comes from Kite himself. Kite described his tenant to friends and family as being well-spoken, polite, and seemingly trustworthy. The tenant claimed to be from the East Coast, allegedly relocating to Colorado for a job in the tech sector. He provided Kite with what appeared to be legitimate identification. However, after the murder, it was discovered that all the information the man had provided was false.

The man had taken elaborate steps to hide his true identity, including providing a fake Social Security number, a false name, and even fabricated employment details. There are also indications that he may have used a stolen identity to pass background checks. Investigators have speculated that the man may have had military training due to the precise manner in which he bound and killed Kite.

The Police Investigation

Aurora police launched an intense investigation into Kite’s murder, combing through physical evidence and interviewing potential witnesses. Despite their efforts, the man’s true identity has never been uncovered. The suspect left behind very little in terms of forensic evidence. The bindings used in the crime, while distinct, did not lead to any significant breakthroughs. Additionally, the man was careful not to leave DNA evidence at the scene, a factor that has complicated the investigation.

The case remains open, with law enforcement continuing to pursue any leads that arise. Detectives involved in the investigation have emphasized the cold and calculated nature of the crime, suggesting that this may not have been the killer’s first offense. Despite these suspicions, no other murders have been definitively linked to Kite’s killer.

Suspect Profile and Behavioral Analysis

In an effort to gain a better understanding of who might have committed this heinous act, investigators enlisted the help of behavioral profilers from the FBI. Their analysis suggested that the killer was likely a transient individual who was skilled in deception and perhaps had prior experience in evading law enforcement. They also believed that the man may have chosen Kite specifically because of his quiet, trusting nature and the opportunity his rental arrangement provided.

The detailed nature of the bindings, the precision of the attack, and the psychological torment inflicted on Kite before his death have led profilers to suspect that the killer may have enjoyed exerting control over his victim. These elements of the crime are often seen in cases involving sadistic perpetrators who seek to dominate their victims before killing them.

The possibility that the killer had military or law enforcement training has been floated due to the tactical manner in which Kite was bound and murdered. This theory, however, remains speculative, as no definitive evidence has surfaced to confirm it.

The Role of Technology in the Case

In the years following the murder, technological advancements have played a role in re-examining the case. Cold case investigators have utilized tools like DNA phenotyping and advanced digital forensics to revisit the evidence. Although no breakthrough has been made, law enforcement continues to use these modern techniques in hopes of identifying the killer.

Given that the suspect was careful to cover his tracks and avoid leaving DNA evidence, the use of genealogy databases or forensic genealogy could potentially help uncover the killer’s true identity in the future. The rise of such methods has given new life to many unsolved cases, leading some to hope that Kite’s case may yet be solved through these means.

The Unsolved Nature of the Case

Despite the exhaustive investigative efforts, the case remains unsolved to this day. The unknown suspect’s ability to completely disappear after the crime has left authorities at a standstill. The lack of any concrete evidence tying the man to another crime, or to a known identity, continues to frustrate those involved in the investigation.

Friends and family of Oakey Kite have never stopped seeking justice. They remember him as a kind, warm-hearted man who didn’t deserve to die in such a horrific manner. The fact that his killer still walks free only adds to the pain of his loss.

Public Interest and Theories

The Oakey Kite murder has generated interest among true crime enthusiasts, many of whom have speculated about who the killer could be. Some have pointed to the possibility that the man may have fled the country or assumed a new identity, while others believe he may have gone on to commit additional crimes. However, without more evidence, these remain only theories.

Various media outlets have featured Kite’s case in investigative specials and crime documentaries, including the show “Unsolved Mysteries,” which helped bring more attention to the story. Despite these efforts, no substantial new leads have emerged.

Impact on the Aurora Community

The brutal nature of the murder shocked the Aurora community, which is typically a quiet suburban area. For weeks after the killing, residents were on edge, worried that a dangerous individual was still at large. Although the immediate fear eventually subsided, the case left a lasting mark on the community, particularly for those who knew and loved Oakey Kite.

Kite’s murder also served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of trusting strangers, especially in situations where personal space and privacy are involved, such as renting property to unknown individuals.

Renewed Hope for Justice

While the passage of time may have dimmed the spotlight on the case, investigators remain hopeful that one day the truth will emerge. Cases like these, where killers appear to vanish without a trace, are often solved years or even decades later thanks to advances in technology or new witness information. The dedication of cold case detectives and the enduring commitment of Kite’s loved ones mean that the search for his killer will not cease.

Oakey “Al” Kite’s legacy is one of kindness, and it is that legacy that continues to drive those who seek justice for him. One day, it is hoped, his killer will be brought to justice, and his family will have the closure they have long sought.

If you have information about the murder of Oakey Albert “Al” Kite, Jr., you can contact the Aurora Police Department: Detective Jason McDonald at (303) 739-6013 or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers: (720) 913-7867.