A grand jury has indicted a man in connection with the death of a popular Colorado hairstylist, Jax Gratton, whose remains were found in June 2025 after she went missing in April. Brandon David Mumma, 45, has been charged in relation to Gratton’s death.
Jax Gratton’s Disappearance and Discovery
Jax Gratton, 34, was last seen leaving her Denver apartment on the night of April 15, 2025, around 10 p.m. She told her roommate she would be out for about three hours but never returned. Despite efforts from friends and family to locate her, her body was discovered on June 6, 2025, in a narrow space between two buildings.
Charges Against Brandon Mumma
On March 11, 2026, the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced that Brandon David Mumma had been indicted on two counts of tampering with a deceased human body and one count of tampering with physical evidence. Mumma was allegedly the last person to be with Gratton before her death.
The Events Leading Up to Gratton’s Death
According to the indictment, Gratton and Mumma, who were in a consensual, intimate relationship, entered an office space in Lakewood, Colorado, on April 15, 2025, around 10:41 p.m. They were later joined by a male friend at 12:14 a.m. on April 16. Mumma and the friend left the office at 1:43 a.m., leaving Gratton alone and under the influence of drugs. Mumma returned to the office at 5:55 a.m. and was seen leaving again at 6:57 a.m., carrying trash bags that he allegedly discarded in a dumpster.
Gratton’s Body Found
Gratton’s body was found lying on her side between two buildings, still wearing the clothes she had on when she left her apartment. A grate from an air conditioning unit was found on her lower body. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office could not determine if she fell, was pushed, or dropped from a second-story window before her death.
Accusations Against Mumma
Mumma is accused of removing Gratton’s body, personal belongings, and other evidence to hinder the police investigation. He was arrested on March 11, 2026, in Summit County and is being held on a $100,000 cash bond. His court appearance is scheduled for March 17, 2026.
Community Reaction and Memorial
Following the discovery of Gratton’s body, the local LGBTQ+ community honored her memory at a memorial. Friends and community members praised Gratton for the love and connection she brought to people from all walks of life. “Jax is looking down and she is proud of the community that she brought together,” one friend said.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The investigation into Gratton’s death is ongoing, and the male friend who was with her and Mumma during the night of April 15–16, 2025, has been fully cooperative with law enforcement. He has not been named in the indictment and is not believed to have participated in the destruction or removal of evidence.
