LAKEPORT – The mysterious circumstances surrounding a Nice man's death have led officials to explore the possibility that he may have been murdered.

Lake County News previously reported that Hey Taxi driver Paul “Joe” Womachka, 39, was reported missing last Wednesday by Erica Womachka, his ex-wife and business parter, when he didn't return from a run for the taxi service.

Sheriff Rod Mitchell confirmed over the weekend that Womachka's body was found in the Hey Taxi minivan near Konocti Vista Casino on Friday.

Mitchell said an autopsy of Womachka's body is scheduled for Tuesday. He cautioned that the cause and manner of Womachka's death may not be immediately determined as a result of that examination.

In the meantime, Mitchell said his department is in the midst of a full investigation to find out what happened to the father of three, whose father-in-law, Michael Goetz, remembered him as a kind and generous young man.

Asked if his department is looking at Womachka's death as a homicide, Mitchell responded, “The circumstances surrounding his death are suspicious and a multi-faceted investigation is under way, including multiple interviews, and we hope for the sake of the deceased, his family and the community that our investigation yields answers to our many question.”

Mitchell said he couldn't say much more at this point, due to concerns about safeguarding the investigation.

Goetz said a family friend is currently setting up an account to help Womachka's three sons, ages 11, 13 and 17.

The account had not yet been set up on Monday. Lake County News will publish the details as soon as they're available.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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