Humboldt County Sheriff Department says Blue Lake murders not connected

Alexandra Gonzalez October 28, 2021October 28, 2021 0 Comments Blue Lake, Homicide Investigation, Humboldt County

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department released a press release on Monday, Oct. 25 concerning two homicides that occurred on Sept. 11 and Oct. 1, in the Blue Lake Area. Community members have been on high alert after these two cases occurred in close proximity to each other.

HCSD stated in the press release that despite the close proximity of these cases in location and date of discovery, investigators have not officially determined a connection between the two incidents at this time. However, the cases are still under active investigation.

“We don’t believe there to be a significant threat to the public,” said Samantha Karges, Public Information Specialist for HCSD, by telephone on Wednesday, Oct. 27.

El Leñador asked Kragas about an image that is circulating on social media stating that there is a serial killer in the area.

“We do not suspect there to be a serial killer in the area,” Karges said by phone.

According to the press release, the sheriff’s department has been receiving input from the public about safety concerns of the trail system near the Mad River Levee. This is the same area where the Oct. 1 homicide occurred.

As a precaution, the HCSD also shared some general safety tips for people recreating anywhere in Humboldt County. These included:

If possible, recreate during daylight hours and don’t go alone.
Choose a route well-traveled by other recreators.
If you see anyone or anything suspicious, change course and go into a store or public building to avoid danger.
Stay alert at all times. If you’re listening to music as you walk, turn down the volume so you can still hear bike bells and warnings from other walkers and runners coming up behind you.
Stay on an established trail.
Do not hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
Inform a friend of where you are going and when you plan to return. Stick to that schedule and if extending your stay, be sure to update that friend.
Put your phone away and don’t carry large sums of cash.
Consider taking a basic self-defense class.
If you are experiencing an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Anyone who may have information about either of these cases should contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Division at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

The full press release can be read online here.