The Mysterious Disappearance of Warren Barnes: Colorado's "Reading Man" Murder Case
In the quaint streets of Grand Junction, Colorado, the disappearance of Warren Barnes on February 28, 2021, sent ripples through the local community. Despite his rugged appearance that often led strangers to assume he was homeless, Warren was actually a dependable worker who never missed a day at his temp agency job. His daily routine included sitting outside Monique's Bridal shop, where the owner had specially kept a chair for him to read books and feed birds—activities that earned him the affectionate local nickname "the reading man."
When Warren failed to appear at work on March 1st, an unprecedented absence for someone known for his reliability, concern quickly spread. His employer contacted Monique, who realized she hadn't seen Warren for his usual visits. This unusual break in pattern prompted a missing person report, marking the beginning of a case that would soon reveal disturbing connections to 19-year-old Brian Kohi. The teenager, diagnosed with various mental health conditions in his youth and harboring fascinations with morbid subjects, had gone for a late-night drive on February 27th—the same night Warren was last seen—before mysteriously ending up with his car in the Colorado River.
Key Takeaways
Warren Barnes, a 69-year-old Grand Junction resident known for his unwavering reliability and gentle nature, mysteriously disappeared after February 27, 2021.
The community became concerned when Warren broke his perfect attendance record at work, prompting his friend Monique to file a missing person report.
Nineteen-year-old Brian Kohi, who had a history of mental health challenges and fascination with morbid subjects, went driving the same night Warren disappeared.
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Case Background
Warren Barnes' Life Journey
Warren Barnes was born on May 19, 1951, to John and Elva Barnes. He lived in Grand Junction, Colorado, where he became a recognizable figure on the main street. Despite common misconceptions, Warren maintained steady employment through a temp agency, working seven days a week with shifts beginning at 7:00 a.m. His perfect attendance record was notable, as he never missed a workday prior to March 2021.
Warren's life centered around simple pleasures and routine. He particularly enjoyed reading books and feeding birds, activities that brought him contentment. These habits earned him the affectionate nickname "the reading man" among local residents who knew him.
Physical Presence and Community Perception
Warren's appearance often led to misunderstandings about his circumstances. His rugged look and consistent clothing choices caused many tourists and even some locals to assume he was homeless. In reality, Warren had both employment and housing, though he sometimes chose alternative sleeping arrangements outdoors or under bridges.
Despite initial impressions, those who took time to know Warren discovered a gentle, kind individual. His unconventional lifestyle choices reflected personal preference rather than necessity. Warren's daily presence outside Monique's Bridal shop became part of the town's familiar landscape.
Daily Patterns and Significant Connections
Warren established meaningful connections despite his solitary nature. His most notable relationship was with Monique, the owner of Monique's Bridal shop. Their four-year friendship included thoughtful arrangements - Monique kept a special chair inside her shop for Warren's daily visits.
Warren's routine was remarkably consistent:
Begin work at 7:00 a.m.
Complete his shift at the temp agency
Visit Monique's Bridal shop
Take his chair to read and feed birds behind the shop
This pattern was so reliable that when Warren failed to appear at work on March 1, 2021, his colleagues immediately recognized something was wrong. They contacted Monique, who realized Warren had missed his usual visits on both February 28 and March 1. This unprecedented break in routine prompted Monique to file a missing person report, initiating a police investigation into his disappearance.
Warren Barnes' Vanishing
Absence from Work Raises Alarms
On March 1, 2021, concern began to grow when Warren Barnes, a 69-year-old man known for his absolute reliability, failed to appear for his 7:00 a.m. shift at the temp agency where he worked. This was completely out of character for Warren, who had maintained a perfect attendance record, working seven days a week without ever missing a day. His absence immediately triggered worry among his colleagues who knew this deviation from his strict routine was highly unusual.
Mo'Nique Notices Something Wrong
After receiving a call from Warren's concerned coworkers, Mo'Nique, the owner of Mo'Nique's Bridal shop, realized she hadn't seen Warren for several days. This was particularly troubling as Warren had established a four-year friendship with Mo'Nique and followed a consistent pattern of visiting her shop daily. He would collect a special chair she kept for him, position it behind her store, and spend time reading books and feeding birds—activities he deeply enjoyed.
Mo'Nique suddenly recognized that Warren hadn't come in to collect his chair on February 28 or March 1, something she hadn't initially noticed due to her busy schedule. The locals affectionately called Warren "the reading man" because of his passion for literature, and despite his sometimes rugged appearance that led strangers to assume he was homeless, those who knew him recognized his gentle, kind nature.
Official Investigation Begins
Deeply concerned about Warren's wellbeing, Mo'Nique contacted the police and filed a missing person report. When officers arrived at her bridal shop, she provided detailed information about Warren's character and habits. Mo'Nique emphasized to investigators that despite Warren's unconventional lifestyle—sometimes choosing to sleep outdoors despite having rental accommodation—he was incredibly predictable in his routines and would never simply disappear without informing someone.
The police began their investigation knowing that Warren's disappearance was highly out of character. This missing person case was taking place against the backdrop of another developing situation in Grand Junction, involving 19-year-old Brian Kohli, who had reported driving his car into the Colorado River during the early morning hours of February 28.
Introduction to Brian Kohi
Brian's Profile and Background
Brian Kohi, a 19-year-old resident of Grand Junction, Colorado, lived with his parents Terry and Brian Sr., along with his brother. On the surface, the Kohis appeared to be a typical family, but Brian had always stood out as different. Throughout his educational journey, Brian received several diagnoses including ADHD and autism. Medical professionals had also suggested more comprehensive testing for potential psychosis disorders.
Brian's daily life in Grand Junction seemed ordinary until February 27, 2021. That evening, the family engaged in a movie night, watching the science fiction thriller "1984" at Brian's request. After his family went to bed, Brian decided to take a late-night drive, explaining he needed to clear his head under the full moon.
Brian's Mental Health and Interests
Brian faced significant mental health challenges throughout his development. Beyond his formal diagnoses, he struggled with anxiety and depression. These conditions required ongoing management and affected his daily functioning.
His interests diverged notably from peers his age. Brian developed a strong fascination with morbid subjects and serial killers—topics that might concern many parents. Despite these unusual interests, Brian had expressed intentions to channel these fascinations productively, telling his family he planned to pursue careers in law enforcement or the military.
His parents interpreted these interests as potentially beneficial to his future career path rather than warning signs. They believed his knowledge of criminal psychology and behavior might serve him well professionally. This perspective helped them reconcile his unusual fascinations with their hopes for his future.
The Kohi Family's Perspective
The Kohis maintained a supportive attitude toward Brian despite recognizing his differences. They encouraged his interests while hoping they would lead to positive outcomes. Their acceptance of his unique personality reflected their commitment to supporting him through his challenges.
The family dynamic seemed functional until the events of February 2021. The movie night on February 27th initially felt normal to Brian's parents, though they were somewhat surprised by his film selection. The evening concluded without incident, and the family retired for the night.
Hours later, in the early morning of February 28th, everything changed when Brian called his parents with disturbing news. He reported that he had driven his car into the Colorado River—an event that would mark the beginning of a significant turn in the family's life.
Events of February 27-28, 2021
Family Gathering for Film Night
On February 27, 2021, Brian Kohi and his family spent the evening together watching a movie. The 19-year-old had specifically requested to watch the dystopian science fiction film "1984." Despite finding his choice somewhat unusual, Brian's parents agreed, and the family settled in for what seemed like a normal night at home. Brian lived with his parents, Terry and Brian Sr., along with his brother in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Brian had been diagnosed with several conditions during his childhood, including ADHD and autism. Medical professionals had previously recommended testing for psychosis disorder. He also struggled with anxiety and depression. Throughout his youth, Brian developed interests that differed from his peers, particularly his fascination with morbid subjects and serial killers.
Brian's Nighttime Journey
After the family movie night ended and everyone went to bed, Brian decided to take a drive. He later explained that he wanted to clear his head while enjoying the full moon. This decision to drive alone at night would prove significant in the events that followed.
Brian's parents weren't particularly concerned when he left. They believed his interest in morbid topics would eventually lead him toward a career in law enforcement or the military, as Brian himself had indicated. This late-night drive, however, would lead to unexpected consequences.
The Tragic Events of February 28th
In the early morning hours of February 28, Brian contacted his parents with alarming news - he claimed to have driven his car into the Colorado River. This call would mark the beginning of a troubling series of events.
Around this same time, Warren Barnes, a 69-year-old local resident known for his reliable routines, failed to appear at his usual locations. Warren was recognized by Grand Junction locals as "the reading man" due to his love of books. Despite his sometimes rugged appearance that led some to assume he was homeless, Warren maintained steady employment at a temp agency where he worked seven days a week, starting at 7:00 AM.
When Warren didn't show up for work on March 1st - something entirely out of character for him - his colleagues grew concerned. They contacted Mo'Nique, the owner of Monique's Bridal, where Warren typically spent his afternoons sitting outside reading books and feeding birds. Mo'Nique realized Warren hadn't collected his chair for the past two days, prompting her to file a missing person report with the police.
Warren's disappearance, occurring immediately after Brian's mysterious night drive, would soon reveal a devastating connection between the two previously unrelated Grand Junction residents.
