Analyzing evidence, California DOJ criminalists connect suspect to victim

“The long arm of the law extends even further back in time thanks to advances in technology and science, and the work of criminalists at the California Department of Justice.  These forensic professionals are key to solving cold cases and the pursuit of criminal justice.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SISKIYOU COUNTY – On July 1, 2025, Phillip Gregory Frase, 77, pleaded guilty to the 2005 murder of Patricia Joseph, bringing a close to a 20-year-old murder investigation by the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office.

On July 17, 2005, rafters discovered the body of a woman in the Klamath river.  The body was identified as Patricia Joseph, 56, who had been reported missing three days earlier from her home in Fort Jones.  Her cause of death was determined a homicide, she died from blunt force trauma and asphyxia, according to the autopsy.

Given the advancements in science and technology, a team of cold case investigators resubmitted evidence to the California Department of Justice for fresh analysis which produced results connecting Frase to the killing of Patricia Joseph.

On February 8, 2023, Frase was arraigned in Siskiyou County Superior Court and charged with the unlawful killing of Patricia Joseph.  On July 1, 2025, Frase pleaded guilty voluntary manslaughter and admitted he was responsible for Joseph’s death.   He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, 2025.