Man arrested in cold-case killing of Colorado mom

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) — Investigators say they have arrested a man in the killing of a Colorado woman who led a double life as a devoted mom and a paid escort before she disappeared in 2007.

Police on Friday arrested 63-year-old Lester Ralph Jones on charges of murder, kidnapping and arson in the death of 34-year-old Paige Birgfeld, of Grand Junction. Birgfeld’s remains were found in a dry creek bed in 2012. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s cold-case team was assigned the case.

Birgfeld was twice divorced and lived with her three children. Friends knew her as a devoted mother and businesswoman. But a 46-page arrest affidavit against Jones also describes her escort service. Authorities say Jones, a longtime suspect, was a client.