Alleged pimp's death
brings clues

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The death of a suspected pimp has led Albuquerque Police Officers to what they're hoping is a big clue.

For years, APD detectives have been investigating the disappearances of a number of prostitutes in the metropolitan area.

Now, detectives could be a step closer to learning where those missing women may be.

Fred Reynolds, 60, was named a person of interest in the disappearances of several missing prostitutes.

When he died suddenly on Jan. 2, police found pictures of three known prostitutes in his home. The word 'missing' was written underneath one of the pictures.

Police Spokesperson John Walsh said that more than 12 prostitutes, who have been missing for years, could be connected to Reynolds.

At his home, investigators seized computers, hard drives, documents and over 15 firearms. All of the evidence was collected posthumously.

"The hope is that it might have some leads that go into some missing people," Walsh said.

Detectives used Reynolds' website to identify some of his escorts.

Over the last year, the vice unit has arrested several of the women seen on the website.

Just last month, detectives interviewed Reynolds about one of his former prostitutes that's now missing.

"Prostitutes come up missing, their family members report them missing, now sometimes they show up in different jurisdictions throughout the nation, sometimes they do not," Walsh said.

Police said that not all of the cases involve foul play. The lifestyles of prostitutes can be seedy and involve drugs, sex and violence.

Police said that Reynolds may be connected to the disappearances, but they will continue the investigation even if clues lead them in a different direction.

In 2002, Reynolds was charged with promoting prostitution, a fourth degree felony. The case was dismissed.

Police believe he died of natural causes.