Mark Redwine in the quiet mountain town of Vallecito, Colorado, a story unfolded that would grip the nation for nearly a decade. It was a story of family conflict, hidden secrets, and a father’s unimaginable crime. The case of Mark Redwine and his 13-year-old son Dylan Redwine is one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking true crime cases in recent American history. What began as a simple Thanksgiving visit in 2012 soon became a mystery that revealed the darkest side of parental betrayal. Years of searching, courtroom battles, and forensic investigation eventually uncovered the horrifying truth — and a shocking motive that stunned even seasoned detectives.
This is the full story of how a father’s secret life led to the tragic death of his son, and how justice was finally served in a case that continues to haunt Colorado to this day.
Quick Bio Information
Full Name: Mark Redwine
Born: 1950s (Exact date undisclosed)
Residence: Vallecito, Colorado, USA
Occupation: Truck driver (before arrest)
Victim: Dylan Redwine (son, age 13)
Crime Date: November 18, 2012
Arrested: July 2017
Convicted Of: Second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death
Sentence: 48 years in prison (October 2021)
Judge: Jeffrey Wilson
Notable For: Killing his son after being confronted about disturbing photos
Who Was Dylan Redwine? A Look At His Short, Bright Life
Before the tragedy, Dylan Redwine was like any other teenager. He was fun-loving, adventurous, and close to his friends and family. Born in Colorado in 1999, Dylan lived with his mother, Elaine Hall, after his parents’ marriage ended. He was bright, energetic, and had a deep love for sports, video games, and spending time outdoors.
At just 13, Dylan was learning to navigate life between two homes after his parents’ divorce turned bitter. His relationship with his father, Mark Redwine, had become increasingly strained. Still, court orders required him to spend time with his father for the holidays. What was meant to be a short Thanksgiving visit to Durango in November 2012 would end in a tragedy that no one could have imagined.
The Thanksgiving Visit That Turned Tragic
On November 18, 2012, Mark Redwine picked up Dylan at the Durango–La Plata County Airport for a court-ordered Thanksgiving visit. Dylan, who had been living with his mother, wasn’t thrilled about the trip, but he agreed to spend a few days with his father as required. He sent text messages to his friends, making plans to meet up in Vallecito that evening — plans that would never happen.
By the next day, Dylan was missing. His mother immediately sensed that something was wrong when her usually responsive son failed to return calls or messages. Despite Mark’s claims that Dylan had simply wandered off, everyone close to the boy knew he would never disappear without a word. Within hours, the situation escalated into a desperate search that would last for months — and eventually years.
A Mother’s Desperate Search For Her Missing Son
Elaine Hall, Dylan’s mother, reported him missing on November 19, 2012. What followed was one of the largest search efforts in La Plata County’s history. Volunteers, law enforcement, and local residents scoured the rugged terrain around Mark’s home near Vallecito Reservoir.
Mark Redwine appeared in media interviews, pleading for his son’s return, but his emotional detachment raised eyebrows. Family members and investigators quickly noticed inconsistencies in his statements. While Mark claimed Dylan might have run away, there was no evidence to support it.
As days turned into weeks, then months, the community held on to hope. But with each passing season, that hope dimmed. The Redwine family’s nightmare had only just begun.
Troubling Tensions Between Father And Son
Behind the public search and desperate pleas lay a much deeper story — one of anger, shame, and fractured trust. The relationship between Mark and Dylan Redwine had been tense for some time. According to friends and family, Dylan often avoided spending time with his father, describing him as controlling and emotionally distant.
But one event, in particular, may have changed everything. Before the Thanksgiving trip, Dylan and his older brother, Cory Redwine, reportedly discovered disturbing photos of their father that revealed a side of him they had never known. These images, found on Mark’s computer, would become the key to understanding the case’s shocking motive.
The Disturbing Discovery That Sparked A Confrontation
According to court testimony and family accounts, Dylan and Cory discovered several compromising photos of their father. In the images, Mark Redwine appeared cross-dressing, wearing a diaper, and engaging in disturbing acts involving human waste. The boys were reportedly horrified by what they saw.
Cory later told investigators and media that Dylan had planned to confront his father about the photos during the upcoming visit. Prosecutors believe this confrontation was what led to Dylan’s death. The embarrassment and rage Mark felt, they argued, triggered a violent reaction — one that ended his son’s life.
While the exact events of that night may never be fully known, forensic and circumstantial evidence later painted a chilling picture of what happened in the Redwine home.
The Search For Dylan: From Hope To Horror
In June 2013, seven months after Dylan disappeared, search teams made a grim discovery in the Middle Mountain area near Vallecito Reservoir, not far from Mark’s home. They found partial remains of the missing boy. The discovery devastated the community but also intensified the investigation.
Forensic analysis confirmed that the remains belonged to Dylan. Yet the most shocking find came two years later, in November 2015, when hikers stumbled upon Dylan’s decapitated skull nearly two miles from where the first remains were found.
Experts later testified that Dylan had suffered a skull fracture and sharp-force injuries — consistent with being struck violently. Investigators concluded that Mark had killed his son during an argument and later disposed of the body in the nearby wilderness to hide the evidence.
Building The Case: Years Of Investigation And Evidence
Despite the mounting suspicions, it took investigators nearly five years to gather enough evidence to arrest Mark Redwine. During that time, they conducted extensive searches, used cadaver dogs, analyzed forensic samples, and reviewed Mark’s inconsistent statements.
In 2017, a grand jury indicted Mark Redwine on charges of second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death. Prosecutors presented a detailed case that combined physical evidence, behavioral analysis, and circumstantial proof — including the location of Dylan’s remains and traces of his blood found inside Mark’s home and vehicle.
The long wait for justice had finally reached a turning point. But the trial would reveal even more about the father’s dark secret.
Inside The Courtroom: The Trial That Exposed The Truth
Mark Redwine’s trial began in 2021, nearly nine years after Dylan’s disappearance. The prosecution’s argument was clear: Dylan discovered his father’s humiliating photos, confronted him, and was killed as a result. The defense maintained Mark’s innocence, claiming Dylan had run away or been attacked by wildlife.
The jury heard emotional testimony from family members, including Cory Redwine, who spoke about the photos and his brother’s plans to confront their father. Expert witnesses described forensic findings that contradicted Mark’s claims.
After careful deliberation, the jury found Mark Redwine guilty of second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death. The verdict brought relief and heartbreak — closure for some, but pain that would never truly fade.
Sentencing And Aftermath: A Father Without Remorse
In October 2021, Judge Jeffrey Wilson sentenced Mark Redwine to 48 years in prison, the maximum sentence allowed by law. During the hearing, the judge condemned Mark for his complete lack of remorse, saying, “I have trouble remembering a convicted defendant who has shown such an utter lack of responsibility for his actions.”
Even after his conviction, Mark continued to deny wrongdoing, calling the outcome “fake justice.” For Dylan’s family, however, the sentence marked the end of a decade-long fight for truth. They expressed sorrow but also gratitude that Dylan’s story would not be forgotten.
The Family’s Fight For Justice And Healing
For Dylan’s mother and brother, justice was never about revenge — it was about truth and closure. Over the years, Elaine Hall became a tireless advocate for victims of family violence, reminding others of the warning signs that can precede tragedy. Cory Redwine has continued to honor his brother’s memory publicly, urging families to speak up when something feels wrong.
The case of Mark Redwine is not just a story of murder; it is a warning about secrecy, denial, and the silent suffering that can exist behind closed doors. It reminds us that even the most ordinary families can hide extraordinary pain.
Lessons From The Mark Redwine Case
The Mark Redwine case leaves behind powerful lessons about communication, family trust, and early intervention. It highlights how unresolved anger and humiliation can spiral into violence, and how important it is to recognize the signs of abuse before tragedy strikes.
For anyone dealing with conflict or fear at home, help is available. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-422-4453) offers 24/7 support, resources, and guidance in over 170 languages. Sharing Dylan’s story keeps his memory alive and may help prevent another family from suffering the same fate.
Final Thoughts
The story of Mark Redwine and Dylan Redwine is a heartbreaking tale of trust shattered and innocence lost. It’s a reminder that evil can exist even in familiar places, behind smiles and polite gestures. Yet, it is also a story of perseverance — of a mother’s love, a brother’s courage, and a community’s determination to find justice.
Though nothing can bring Dylan back, his story has touched countless lives and continues to raise awareness about the warning signs of abuse and family violence. In remembering Dylan, we honor not just the tragedy of his death but the strength of those who refused to let his story be forgotten.
FAQs About Mark Redwine
Who Is Mark Redwine?
Mark Redwine is a Colorado man convicted of killing his 13-year-old son, Dylan Redwine, in 2012 after a family visit turned deadly. The case drew national attention due to its shocking details and long investigation.
What Happened To Dylan Redwine?
Dylan disappeared in November 2012 during a court-ordered visit with his father. His remains were found near Vallecito Reservoir over two years later, and forensic experts determined he died from blunt-force and sharp-force injuries.
Why Did Mark Redwine Kill His Son?
Prosecutors believe Mark killed Dylan after the boy confronted him about humiliating photos showing Mark in compromising acts. The confrontation likely triggered a violent outburst that led to Dylan’s death.
When Was Mark Redwine Arrested?
Mark Redwine was arrested in July 2017, nearly five years after Dylan’s disappearance, following years of investigation and forensic analysis.
What Was Mark Redwine’s Sentence?
In October 2021, he was sentenced to 48 years in prison for second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death — the maximum penalty under Colorado law.
How Did The Investigation Unfold?
Investigators found traces of Dylan’s blood inside Mark’s home and vehicle, along with circumstantial evidence linking him to the crime. Combined with witness testimony and forensic findings, this led to his conviction.
What Is The Legacy Of The Case?
The Mark Redwine case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of hidden family secrets and the importance of early intervention in cases of abuse or conflict. It continues to be cited as one of Colorado’s most haunting true crime stories.
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