LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said it has positively identified the woman whose remains were found in May in Rodman Slough, as detectives continue to investigate the circumstances behind her death and her family offer a reward for more information.

The remains belong to 62-year-old Ellen Adams of Napa, according to sheriff’s office spokesperson Lauren Berlinn.

Berlinn said Major Crimes Unit detectives are still actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Adams’ death.

On Friday, May 24, 2024, around 6 p.m., Adams was seen at the Robinson Rancheria Casino.
Berlinn said surveillance footage later captured Adams leaving the casino in her white Kia Rio sedan with a male subject on the following day at around 1 a.m.

Detectives have already identified and interviewed that individual seen with Adams. At this time, detectives do not believe that individual to be connected to Adams’ death, Berlinn said.

After leaving the casino, Adams and the male subject drove to the Rodman Slough, which Berlinn said was confirmed by speaking with additional witnesses who spoke with Adams.

On May 27, 2024, Adams was located deceased in the Rodman Slough, and on Sunday, June 2, 2024, Adams’ vehicle was discovered abandoned near Pyle Road in Nice, Berlinn said.

Berlinn said the Major Crimes Unit continues to actively investigate this case and is working closely with Adams’ family.

Detectives have reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses, utilized license plate readers, collaborated with crime scene investigators, and worked with allied law enforcement agencies.

Berlinn said detectives have also interviewed several witnesses who may have seen Ellen between May 24 and May 27, 2024.

Detectives were able to track Adams’ movements through the afternoon of Saturday, May 25, 2024. However, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who had contact with Adams or who saw her during the time period of May 24 to May 27, 2024, to come forward.

Adams’ family is offering a reward to anyone who provides information that helps solve her case.

Those with information can call the Major Crimes Unit tip line at 707-262-4088 or Sgt. Jeff Mora at 707-262-4224.