Up to 10 Doberman puppies are missing after a breeder was killed in Clear Creek County, according to the sheriff.

Paul Peavey, a 57-year-old Doberman breeder from Idaho Springs, was reported missing Wednesday and his body was found Saturday by a search party of friends and family, according to the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s officials initially reported that “many” Doberman puppies were missing from Peavey’s property and confirmed Monday that up to 10 of them were missing.

Finding the missing puppies could be the key to solving Peavey’s murder, sheriff’s officials said Monday.

According to the sheriff, the missing puppies may have been sold as early as Tuesday, August 20, through social media or other means.

All of Peavey’s dogs are microchipped, sheriff’s officials said. Anyone who purchased a Doberman puppy in the central Colorado area in the last week should visit a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, pet store or police department to have their new dog checked for a microchip and contact the sheriff’s office by phone at 303-679-2393 or email at [email protected].