Truckee, CA….On 01/12/11, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation regarding an abandoned vehicle that was located on eastbound Interstate 80 prior to Boreal. A search of the
immediate area located footprints in the snow leading South away from the Interstate. The investigating deputy followed the footprints in the snow a short distance before requesting additional personnel from the search and rescue team.

At about 6:57 PM, search and rescue team members utilized a search canine and located a deceased person in a small body of water. The condition of the decedent and surrounding area suggested the decedent had been there for several days. Detectives from the Major Crimes Unit along with District Attorney Investigators were called out to assist in the investigation to determine if the decedent was a victim of homicide. There were no obvious signs of homicide, but the investigation is ongoing to determine cause and manner of death. Due to the condition of the decedent, positive identification was not determined and is awaiting fingerprint or DNA comparison.