The Deck Tangie Sims (9 of Diamonds, Colorado)
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Jan 28, 2026 Detective Joe Petruccelli, an Aurora detective who worked Tangie Sims’ 1996 homicide, gives vivid first-hand recollections of the crime scene and investigation. He discusses the key forensic clues, the green-and-black truck lead, how an early suspect was ruled out, and how modern genealogy eventually pointed investigators to a long-haul trucker.
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Crime Scene Discovery And Early Evidence
- Detective Joe Petruccelli described finding Tangie Sims in an alley with clothing disarray and a bloody scene that suggested a violent attack.
- He photographed evidence, found a bloody shoe in a bush, and collected bloody leaves that later proved crucial.
Nonvictim Blood Pointed To The Killer
- The smear of blood on Tangie's hip suggested the killer bled while reaching down and touching her, indicating direct contact by the attacker.
- Detective Joe Petruccelli recognized that this non-victim blood might belong to the murderer and prioritized it for testing.
Primary Suspect Ruled Out By DNA
- Tangie's boyfriend Dwayne 'Taz' Gregory was an early strong suspect due to prior domestic violence and threats, and detectives collected his clothing and scrapings.
- DNA comparison later showed Taz's DNA did not match the unknown blood, ruling him out.
