Sheriff’s Department Releases Still Image Taken from Surveillance Video of Missing Myers Flat Mother

In hopes that community members may spot Zoe Penrod, a resident of Myers Flat who may be suffering from postpartum psychosis and who has been missing since the last day of December, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has released a still image from a surveillance video. The footage, captured by a Myers Flat business, shows Ms. Penrod walking along Highway 254 (Avenue of the Giants) on the morning of December 31st, 2023, in a light-colored housecoat.

Well-known Southern Humboldt tracker and firefighter, Diana Totten, commented on the case, noting a stark change in Ms. Penrod’s appearance. “Her looks have changed,” Totten said. Totten noted that Zoe may look very different from the photos initially shown of the smiling mother. Totten also mentioned a possible sighting of someone resembling Zoe in Southern Humboldt (SoHum), highlighting the challenges of identifying individuals who may blend into the homeless community due to personal struggles.

Lieutenant Josh McCall of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office provided additional details on the surveillance footage. “Miss Penrod appeared to be wearing a bathrobe, which suggests she wasn’t prepared for extended outdoor conditions,” Lt. McCall said. He also noted Zoe’s fondness for the river and the complexities involved in searching for someone who might be missing voluntarily, especially when mental health or substance abuse issues are factors.

The search for Zoe Penrod continues, with a ground search along Highway 254 yesterday yielding nothing solid in the way of clues. Efforts are being augmented by specialized aircraft assistance, thanks to the California Office of Emergency Services.

The Sheriff’s Office has extended gratitude to the volunteers from local fire departments, California State Parks, and the Search and Rescue team for their ongoing efforts.

The community, especially in the greater Southern Humboldt area, is encouraged to stay vigilant and report any sightings of Ms. Penrod. The updated image of Zoe, depicting the clothing she was last seen wearing, is hoped to aid in her identification.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information regarding Zoe Penrod’s whereabouts to contact them at (707) 445-7251.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department:

On the afternoon of 01/09/2024, as part of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office’s on-going investigation into the missing persons case of Myers Flat resident Zoe Penrod, a deputy was able to positively identify video of Zoe in surveillance footage obtained from a Myers Flat business. This footage showed Zoe, wearing a light-colored housecoat (bath robe), walking northbound, along the edge of Hwy. 254 (Avenue of the Giants) just before 8:30 a.m. on 12/31/23, consistent with the time frame she was reported last seen in the area of her residence by the reporting party.

After initial searching of that area on the evening and night hours of 01/09/24, on 01/10/2024 a thorough ground search of this area, continuing north along Hwy. 254 was conducted. This effort did not result in locating Zoe or any clues that may help direct the search. A ground search is continuing in that area again today. Additionally, a request made through the California Office of Emergency Services for overflight of the area by an aircraft specially equipped to assist in the search and locating of lost persons was granted and that aircraft was on scene over the search area as of mid-morning today.

Continued search efforts will be based on efforts that are completed today along with the consideration of any new or developing information that may help guide the search and/or investigation.

A still image from the surveillance footage has been included below in the hopes that the updated image with the clothing Zoe was last seen wearing may assist with help from the public in reporting any possible sightings of Zoe since the date she went missing. Additionally, the HCSO would like to thank the volunteers from multiple volunteer fire departments within the county, members of the California State Parks, and the volunteer members of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue for their assistance with the search efforts. The HCSO would also like to thank the Miranda Market for their donation of bottled water for the search personnel.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding Zoe’s possible whereabouts should call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251.

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Earlier: 

• Missing Myers Flat Woman May Be Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis
• Search Today in Myers Flat to Find Missing New Mother Zoe Penrod

 

Article written with the assistance of Kym Kemp and Lauren Schmitt.