“California Department of Justice criminalists assist with investigations at crime scenes and in labs throughout California.  Their work is thorough and often greatly assists in convicting or exonerating a suspect.  They are of great value to law enforcement and criminal justice.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

MENDOCINO COUNTY – On June 29, 2024 at approximately 11:07 a.m., the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center began receiving calls from several residents near the 5200 block of Blue Lake Road, within the Brooktrails Township in Willits.  Callers reported that a man was causing a disturbance in the area, with the sounds of yelling and possibly fighting.

Sheriff’s Office deputies were not in the immediate area, and they arrived approximately 20 minutes after the initial calls to dispatch. Upon arrival, and at the request of one caller, the responding deputies went to a house on Blue Lake Road to check on the resident. At the residence, deputies observed that the front windows appeared to be broken out, and there was apparent blood in and around the front of the house. Deputies checked the residence and located a female victim inside the living room who appeared to have suffered injuries likely caused by a violent assault. Deputies ensured there were no further victims or individuals in the residence, began CPR and administered first aid while summoning emergency medical assistance.

The 77-year-old female victim succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. While deputies were on scene, a vehicle arrived and the suspect, Michael Coleman, was in the passenger seat. Deputies determined there was evidence that Coleman was involved in the violent assault and detained him at the scene without incident. Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office detectives were called to the scene to take over the investigation. Coleman was booked into the Mendocino County Jail on a charge of homicide. The final cause and manner of death is pending an autopsy and toxicology reports.

Investigators from the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office, Ukiah Police Department, Willits Police Department, California Highway Patrol, CalFire Prevention Law Enforcement personnel, criminalists from California Department of Justice in Santa Rosa and Sacramento are all assisting with this ongoing investigation.