Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Aug. 30, 2020, at about 7:45 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center was contacted by a motorist regarding human remains located down an embankment at a turnout on Kneeland Road.

Sheriff’s deputies responded and located a deceased female, later identified as 32-year-old Tawny Deann James. James’ cause and manner of death are unknown at this time. An autopsy of James is scheduled for Thursday, September 3.

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

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.