Monterey County Sheriff's Office
Coverage of Monterey County Sheriff's Office in the Nexus archive.
- Hiker's unexplained death exposes deadly alcohol withdrawal risk many don't recognize
Hiker Joanna Ruth Shields died from probable alcohol withdrawal seizures linked to chronic alcohol use disorder after being found unresponsive in water near Sykes Hot Springs in California’s Ventana Wilderness. Authorities confirmed no criminal activity, highlighting the risks of sudden alcohol cessation in isolated settings.
- Pismo Beach man arrested for damaging Flock Safety cameras in Monterey County, deputies say
A 40-year-old man from Pismo Beach was arrested for intentionally damaging multiple Flock Safety cameras in Monterey County, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Deputies from the Monterey County Sheriff's Office confirmed the incident.
- Sheriff's office confirms that hiker found in California forest died of alcohol withdrawal
The Monterey County Sheriff's Office confirmed that a hiker found dead in a California national forest in April died due to alcohol withdrawal seizures. The cause of death was determined to be related to alcohol withdrawal.
- Cause of death revealed for Big Sur hiker whose body was found naked on remote California trail
Joanna Ruth Shields, 37, was found dead near Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur, California, with the Monterey County Sheriff's Office ruling her death natural due to complications from alcohol withdrawal. Initial suspicions of foul play were dismissed after an autopsy confirmed no criminal activity, with evidence pointing to chronic alcohol use disorder and a history of mental health struggles.
- Thief stole more than $50K in copper wire from local farms: sheriff
A suspect admitted to stealing over $50,000 in copper wire from multiple agricultural properties in Monterey County and is linked to similar thefts in surrounding counties. The Monterey County Sheriff's Office confirmed the suspect's involvement in the crimes.
- California hiker's body found naked in Big Sur backcountry
A 37-year-old woman, Joanna Ruth Shields, was found dead and naked in the Los Padres National Forest near Big Sur with severe injuries, including a head wound and neck cuts. Authorities are investigating her death as suspicious, with witnesses reporting a man who claimed to be her friend appeared nervous and described finding her face down in water. An autopsy is pending toxicology results.