On May 5,2017 a forensic odontology examination was completed in an effort to identify the victim located within a residence that had caught fire on April 28,2017. The victim was identified as 32 year old Josh Nathan Mendel of Pollock Pines. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

Sgt. Todd Hammitt

For Immediate Release

Sergeant Tasha Thompson

On April 28, 2017, at approximately 10:54 pm, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a suspicious circumstance call in the 100 block of Argonaut Drive in Diamond Springs.  Upon further investigation, deputies discovered a deceased 41 year old white male adult inside the residence who had sustained an apparent gunshot wound.  Missing from the residence was the victim’s truck and juvenile family member who was reportedly to be at the residence.

Detectives were requested to investigate and located the victim’s truck driving in the area near the residence.  Detained in the truck was the juvenile relative.  During the investigation it was discovered the juvenile family member had shot and killed the victim inside the home.  The juvenile was booked into the El Dorado County Juvenile Hall on charges of murder.  Detectives are continuing the investigation.

UPDATE 05/01/17

The victim in this case has been identified as 41 year old Erik Raymond Butler of Diamond Springs.  There is no additional information to be released at this time.

For Immediate Release

Sergeant Tasha Thompson

On April 28, 2017, at approximately 5:30 am, El Dorado County Fire was dispatched to the 2900 block of North Street in Pollock Pines for a residential structure fire.  As the fire was being extinguished, fire crews located a deceased individual inside the residence.             El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office responded to begin an investigation.  At this point the decedent cannot be identified.  El Dorado County fire investigators will begin their investigation once the home is safe to enter.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation.