Fortuna Police Department release:

Danielle Bertolini

The Fortuna Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to justice for victims and their families. No case is ever forgotten; we diligently pursue new leads as they emerge, ensuring that every avenue for resolution is explored.

On February 19, 2014, the Fortuna Police Department received a report of a missing person, Danielle Bertolini. Danielle was last seen in the Swains Flat, Carlotta area, and her mother, Billie Jo, reported her missing after losing contact with her for several weeks.

Through extensive investigation, detectives determined that Danielle had accepted a ride from 51-year-old James Eugene Jones, a Fortuna resident. Jones transported her from Swains Flat back to Fortuna. However, despite numerous interviews with Danielle’s friends and acquaintances, no one reported seeing or hearing from her after receiving that ride.

On March 9, 2015, a human skull was discovered along the Eel River, just north of Rio Dell, California. DNA analysis confirmed the remains to be those of Danielle Bertolini. Despite an exhaustive investigative effort, all available leads were pursued, and the case was ultimately classified as a cold case. However, a cold case is not a closed case—it remains open, ready for renewed investigation should new evidence or information arise.

Recently, Fortuna Police Detectives received new information regarding Danielle’s case, prompting the reopening of the investigation. Detectives are actively pursuing these leads, determined to uncover the truth and deliver justice for Danielle and her family.

The Fortuna Police Department urges anyone with information to come forward. Even the smallest detail could prove vital. If you have any information regarding Danielle Bertolini’s case, please contact Fortuna Police Detectives Brian Taylor or Thomas MacLeod at the Fortuna Police Department: (707) 725-7550.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the community members who have remained engaged with this case over the years. Your unwavering support and willingness to share information are invaluable in our pursuit of truth and justice. We also commend our dedicated detectives for their relentless commitment to ensuring that no case is ever forgotten.

PREVIOUSLY: 

• ‘At Risk’ Woman Last Seen in Fortuna Sought
• $5000 Reward Offered By Family For Return of Missing Fortuna Woman
• Families and Law Enforcement Search for Two Missing Women
• Efforts to Find Missing Humboldt Women Continue
• Maine Media Covers Missing Humboldt Woman
• Memorial Planned for Missing Woman’s Birthday
• Missing: Jessica Nieman, Danielle Bertolini, Sheila Franks, Jeff Joseph
• Dateline NBC Reports on Missing Humboldt Women; Fortuna Chief Says ‘Person of Interest’ Identified
• Relatives of Missing Woman Danielle Bertolini Claim Her Remains Have Been Identified; Sheriff’s Office Cannot Confirm
• Extensive Search for Danielle Bertolini’s Missing Remains Ends With No New Leads