On Dec. 13, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s was notified of a deceased male located on the Mad River high water mark, near the 4500 block of Boyd Road, Arcata. Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to the scene and determined the death was suspicious. Sheriff’s Office Detectives were notified and responded to the scene to take over the investigation. During the investigation the deceased was determined to be David Earl Sanford, 47 years of Fieldbrook.

A forensic pathologist from Sacramento was called in to assist with the investigation. An autopsy was held at the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office on Friday, Dec. 18. Sheriff’s Detectives and Coroner investigators were present. The forensic pathologist ruled the death to be a homicide.

Due to the nature of the investigation, Sheriff’s Detectives are withholding the manner in which Sanford was killed. The investigation is ongoing, and additional information will be released at a later time as it becomes available.

The Sheriff’s Office is requesting anyone with information about this case to contact lead Detective Troy Garey at 707-268-3643 or Sergeant Wayne Hanson at 707-268-3639.