How Terri Ackerman’s body was found just steps from her home

The body of Terri Ann Ackerman, a woman from Weld County who went missing from her Lochbuie home seven years ago, was discovered in September inside a detached garage just feet away from her house. The remains were found by a man who was sorting through items on the property before it was sold.

Initially unsure if the bone he found was part of a Halloween decoration due to fake skeletons set up around the property, the man consulted with a neighbor who confirmed the remains were real. They promptly called 911, leading to the identification of the body as Terri’s by Weld County officials.

Terri, who disappeared in August 2018, lived at 130 Poplar St. with her husband, Delbert “Dale” Ackerman. Despite extensive police searches using drones, dogs, and surveillance footage, she was never found. Her family criticized the police department’s efforts and suspected Delbert of involvement in her death, though he was never charged and has since passed away.

The cause and manner of Terri’s death have yet to be determined by the Weld County Coroner’s Office. Sean Ackerman, Terri’s stepson, expressed frustration with the Lochbuie Police Department and questioned how cadaver dogs could have missed her body multiple times.

Following Delbert’s death, Sean inherited the property and discovered Terri’s remains while preparing the trailer for sale. The garage where the body was found had been filled with boxes and junk, with the remains located three feet inside the structure. Sean speculated on whether the police had searched the garage before or if the remains were moved there later.

Terri’s daughter, Ambyr Carolus, recalled her mother’s last moments before disappearing, highlighting her struggle with bipolar disorder. Delbert reported Terri missing after she left without her belongings, which were later found in the home.

Sean defended his father, believing he could not have harmed Terri based on the untouched state of her belongings in the trailer. He described Delbert’s hope that Terri would return, even as the house became uninhabitable.

The investigation into Terri’s death continues, with unanswered questions surrounding the circumstances leading to her tragic end.