Burned human remains discovered nearby on the South Fork Eel River bar

On Oct. 9, 2020, at about 6 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 1300 block of Redwood Drive in Garberville for the report of human remains discovered nearby on the South Fork Eel River bar.

Just prior to contacting the Sheriff’s Office, CAL FIRE personnel responded to the river bar area for the report of a brush fire. Upon extinguishing the fire, personnel located burned human remains belonging to an adult female.

The remains were collected and an autopsy was conducted on October 13. The identity of the decedent is being withheld pending next of kin notification. Evidence located through the autopsy indicates that the female likely died prior to the fire and her death has been determined to be a homicide.

This is an active investigation. More information will be released when available and appropriate.