It was a busy night.
In an active family that always seemed to be going in different directions at the same time, the four members were doing different things.
That night Jonelle Renee Matthews’ mother Gloria was flying out of state to spend time with her father over the holidays.
Jonelle Matthews, 12, of Greeley
Denver Post archives
Her sister Jennifer, then 16, was playing basketball for Greeley Central High School.
Jonelle’s father, Jim Matthews, the principal of Platte Valley Elementary School in Kersey, first took her to a fast food restaurant for a quick hamburger before driving her to Franklin Middle School. He then drove to the high school to catch Jennifer’s basketball game.
Jonelle got on a bus with classmates who were part of a choir. They traveled together to a nursing home to sing Christmas carols. Jonelle loved to sing. She was also on a choir at her church.
After the concert was over, Jonelle caught a ride home with her friend Deanna Ross and her father Russell Ross. The Rosses noticed that the garage door had been left open.