I'm thinking local as in having spent a substantial amount of time in the area. Not necessarily born and raised there but not a transient type either.
Would you happen to know the street names where the Dixon and Jim H crimes happened? From what I gather they're in the general area of the Bennett home, somewhere along Alameda and the highline canal area. Google earths old imagery only goes back to 93 but looking at that there was an open area directly behind the Bennetts and to the east. The subdivision itself looks tightly packed and I suspect it was like that in the early 80's but cant I can't be sure. I'm trying to determine or at least make a guess as to the perp being on foot or otherwise in these Aurora cases.
Sorry for the delay - No I don't know the streets those happened on - I will try and find them via microfiche at the library if they are still available, and report back as soon as I'm able!