By Rachael Bell

July 17, 2007

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Jaclyn Funderburg, 22, who worked at Wendy's on Powers Boulevard and Stetson Hill in Colorado Springs, CO, was a punctual, hard-working employee who took her job seriously. Her position was important to her because she had a 10-month-old little boy, Jonathan, to support. She was determined to make the best life she could for her son and herself after overcoming drug abuse and turning her life around.

Jaclyn and Jonathan Funderburg

When the vibrant, model employee failed to show up for her shift the next day, Thursday, July 12, 2007, her co-workers were very concerned.  Jaclyn was up for promotion and missing a day would reduce her chances of getting it. At least one employee had just seen Jaclyn the night before when she quickly dropped off the cell phone of co-worker and friend Bobette Lopez before getting into the car with her boyfriend and driving off, Deedee Correll reported for the Colorado Springs Gazette. None of her co-workers suspected it might be the last time they ever saw her.

Salvator Esquivel Castillo

Jaclyn is described as a wonderful, conscientious person and loving mother who tried desperately to make ends meet and provide a stable upbringing for her son. However, the relationship with boyfriend Salvator Esquivel-Castillo, 35, Jonathan's father, increasingly spiraled out of control, making it difficult for her to provide the safe environment for which she hoped. Violence had become a mainstay in their relationship, which began in 2005, and Jaclyn often bore physical signs of abuse including, bruises and fingerprints around her neck, which she tried to cover up with clothing or make-up, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette.

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