In the still shadows of the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, a 13-year-old boy named Dylan Redwine vanished into a heartbreaking silence that would echo for nearly a decade.
On November 18, 2012, Dylan was forced to visit his estranged father, Mark Redwine, for a court-ordered Thanksgiving stay. He didn’t want to go. His mother, Elaine Hall, didn’t want him to go either. But legal custody rules overrode gut instincts, teenage fears, and the lingering trauma of past abuse. That decision cost Dylan his life.
A Visit He Didn’t Want
Dylan had been open about his discomfort. He had told his mom, his brother Cory, and his friends that he didn’t feel safe with his father. But he went anyway—because he had no choice.
Cory later revealed that he and Dylan had recently discovered something shocking on their father’s computer: graphic, disturbing images of Mark Redwine in women’s lingerie and wigs, including photos involving human feces and diapers. Dylan, both disgusted and disturbed, intended to confront his father about the pictures.
He never got the chance.
The Disappearance
Less than 24 hours after arriving in the small town of Vallecito, Dylan was gone. Mark claimed he had last seen Dylan sleeping on the couch that morning. He said he ran errands, came home, and Dylan was just… missing.
But the story never added up.
Police, search teams, and locals scoured the mountainous terrain. For months, nothing. Then, in June 2013, partial remains were found several miles from Mark’s cabin. Years later, Dylan’s skull was discovered even farther up the mountain—his body scattered, his story shattered.
Forensic evidence in Mark’s home painted a grim picture: Dylan’s blood was found on the couch, under the rug, and on furniture. Cadaver dogs hit on the laundry room, on Redwine’s clothing, and in his truck bed. Investigators were now certain: Dylan had died in that house.
The Motive: Secrets He Couldn’t Face
According to prosecutors, Dylan’s murder wasn’t random. It was personal—and rooted in shame. Mark Redwine killed his own son to hide the truth: not just about crossdressing or sexual preferences, but about the extent of his disturbing, secret life. Dylan had seen the photos. He knew.
Instead of facing his son or seeking help, Mark lashed out in deadly rage.
Even more horrifying: Mark had previously threatened to “kill the kids before letting Elaine have them.” He also said he would hide a body in the mountains. Those chilling words became reality.
The Trial and Justice
It took nearly five years for Mark Redwine to be arrested in 2017, and another four for the trial to finally begin. In July 2021, a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death.
He was sentenced to 48 years in prison—the maximum. The judge cited his “utter lack of remorse.” Dylan’s mother, Elaine, called the outcome bittersweet. Justice, but no return.
“You showed no regard for him. You went to great lengths to hide your tracks.” — Judge Jeffrey Wilson to Mark Redwine
Mark still denies responsibility. But the evidence speaks louder than his denial ever could.
A System That Failed
What cuts deepest is that Dylan tried to speak. He voiced his fears. He wanted safety. And the system told him to suck it up. That a father’s rights trumped a child’s instincts.
We need to do better. Custody decisions can’t be made in a vacuum. Children deserve to be heard, especially when history—like in Mark’s case—involves allegations of abuse, control, and manipulation.
Dylan Deserved Better
This isn’t just a tragic crime story—it’s a cry for change. Dylan Redwine was a funny, curious, bright-eyed teen who wanted to spend Thanksgiving snowboarding with friends, not confronting a parent’s dark secrets. He died alone, afraid, and betrayed by the very person who was supposed to protect him.
He deserved love, honesty, and safety. Instead, he got silence, shame, and a justice system that was just a few years too late.
🕯 In Loving Memory of Dylan Redwine
Let us remember him not for the way he died, but for the voice he tried to raise—and the voices we must lift in his honor.
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Comments
Wow, that’s crazy… I can’t believe a father would do that to his own child. What kind of monster hurts their own kid? This story really shook me.
this just made me cry. poor baby didnt deserve that. how can a dad do that to his own son?? my heart hurts so bad for him. he was just a kid. this world is so messed up sometimes. rip dylan 💔
Reading about Dylan Redwine’s case reminded me of a tragic story in Sri Lanka, where a young boy named Chamara Perera was murdered by an estranged family member. Cases like these are heartbreaking, and they highlight how important it is to protect children within families and communities. I hope we can see more coverage and discussion about these kinds of domestic tragedies globally—it’s crucial for awareness and prevention.
This story broke my heart. As a parent of a Black child, I can’t imagine the pain families go through. It makes me wonder how many similar cases don’t get the attention they deserve, especially in marginalized communities. We need more awareness and protections for all children.
I followed Dylan Redwine’s case closely, and sadly, it reminds me of past family-related tragedies I studied as a law student in the ’70s. These kinds of crimes show the importance of family courts, custody checks, and community vigilance. Awareness is key.
You’re right—custody and family court oversight are so important. In Sri Lanka, we’ve seen similar situations where estranged relatives caused harm, and unfortunately, the legal system didn’t intervene in time. Learning from these cases internationally could help strengthen protections everywhere.
Absolutely, I can see how looking at these cases internationally could provide valuable lessons. It’s shocking how often the system fails to protect the most vulnerable, no matter where you are. Thanks for sharing that perspective—it really puts things in a global context.
@RN Anita Devi @George H. Yeah, and it makes me think of how many marginalized kids don’t get the same level of attention. It’s not just a legal issue—it’s a community issue too
Exactly! In Sri Lanka, cases like Chamara Perera barely made the news. That’s why awareness across communities and countries is so important—children everywhere deserve protection and visibility.
That’s a powerful point. Media coverage and community vigilance really do make a difference. I hope sharing these stories helps inspire better protections everywhere.
Stories like these are heartbreaking but also eye-opening. Schools, neighbors, and authorities need to work together to catch warning signs early. It’s heartbreaking to think about how many kids fall through the cracks.
Absolutely. Education and community awareness are just as important as legal protections. When families, schools, and authorities collaborate, tragedies can be prevented.
Reading this reminded me of similar cases I’ve read about in South Asian communities. Children can be vulnerable even with family around, and it’s devastating when estranged relatives are involved. Stories like this need attention so schools, neighbors, and authorities can be more proactive.
As a social worker in the U.S., I see firsthand how children at risk can fall through the cracks. Cases like Dylan’s are heartbreaking, but unfortunately, we see similar tragedies among Latino families that barely make the news. Sharing and discussing these stories is the first step toward preventing them.
It’s heartbreaking reading about cases like Dylan Redwine’s, and I feel for his family—but it’s frustrating how often the media only focuses on white children. Black and Brown kids face similar or even worse domestic violence and murders, and their stories rarely get the attention they deserve. Cases like Tamika Middleton, Mya Hall, Tyrese Johnson, and Jessica Chambers highlight just how many children of color are victims of family-related violence. It’s not just sad—it’s a systemic issue in how society values and covers these tragedies. We need more awareness, reporting, and action for every child, not just the ones that fit a certain image.
Thank you for sharing these names—I honestly wasn’t aware of these cases, and I’m really sorry for not knowing. I’m going to take the time to read about Tamika Middleton, Mya Hall, and the others you mentioned. It’s so important to recognize these tragedies and bring awareness to all children affected by domestic violence, not just the ones we hear about in the mainstream news.