Homicide Confirmed Near Covelo, DOJ Criminalists Called to Scene

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed it is investigating a homicide northwest of Covelo after a woman was found dead inside a vehicle Thursday evening.

According to a statement from MCSO Public Information Officer Capt. Quincy Cromer, the homicide was reported during the evening of July 9, 2026, off Rifle Range Road. The victim has been identified only as an adult female from Covelo. Her name has not been released.

The Sheriff’s Office Investigations Bureau is leading the case with help from the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office and other county investigators, Cromer said. Criminalists from the California Department of Justice have also been requested and are responding to assist.

Redheaded Blackbelt first reported Thursday night that the woman was found around 9 p.m. after family members said they discovered her with apparent gunshot wounds inside a vehicle in the 22500 block of Rifle Range Road. Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office deputies and California Highway Patrol officers responded Code 3 to the scene.

Screenshot of Google map

Scanner traffic at the time indicated the woman was found inside the cab of a vehicle. One transmission suggested the vehicle had several bullet holes.

This is a developing story. Redheaded Blackbelt will update as more information becomes available from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.

Earlier: Woman Found Dead in Vehicle at a Residence Between Spyrock and Covelo

Note: This article was updated to correct the date of the report. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.