Autopsy scheduled for remains found in Laytonville structure fire

On 12/15/2018 around 7:58 hours Fire Personnel from Laytonville Volunteer Fire Department and Cal Fire were notified of a structure fire in the 48000 block of North Highway 101 in Laytonville. 



Upon their arrival the found a fully involved residential structure fire.  Fire personnel were able to contain and cool down the fire but it was not until 11:37 PM where the fire was cooled enough to look to see if anyone was inside the structure, where the remains of one decedent was located.

Fire Authorities contacted the Sheriff's Office to initiate a Coroner's Investigation into the death.  Sheriff's Detectives also responded to conduct an investigation.  A Fire Investigator, employed by Cal Fire, also responded to assist with determining the cause and origin of the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.  The owner/current occupant of the home is known and the Sheriff's Office is in contact with family members.  DNA samples have been obtained from family for comparison.  DNA testing process can take months to get a return due to laboratories having large case loads to process.  The cause of death is not yet known. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday 12/18/2018.