NAPA, CA – Authorities continue to investigate the suspicious death of a Napa woman whose body was found last year in Lake County. The body of 62-year-old Ellen Adams was discovered in Rodman Slough near North Lakeport on May 27, 2024, and while a cause of death has yet to be determined, investigators are urging the public for any additional information.
Adams, a resident of Napa, was last seen on the evening of May 24, 2024, at the Robinson Rancheria Casino in Nice. Surveillance footage from the casino shows her leaving the premises around 1 a.m. on May 25, accompanied by a man. The pair were seen driving in Adams’ white Kia Rio sedan, heading towards Rodman Slough. Authorities later confirmed through witnesses that Adams was last seen at the location before her body was discovered three days later.
Detectives have since identified and interviewed the man seen with Adams, but they do not believe he is connected to her death. Despite this, the circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, with investigators still working to piece together the final hours of her life.
On June 2, 2024, Adams’ vehicle was located abandoned near Pyle Road in nearby Nice, further complicating the investigation. In the months since, law enforcement has utilized a variety of investigative tools, including surveillance footage from local businesses, license plate readers, and cooperation with Crime Scene Investigators. They have also conducted interviews with several individuals who may have seen or interacted with Adams between May 24 and May 27, but so far, no significant leads have emerged.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have had contact with Adams or witnessed her movements during that time frame to come forward with any relevant information. The family of Ellen Adams has offered a reward for information that may lead to solving the case.
Sergeant Jeff Mora of the Major Crimes Unit encourages anyone with information to contact the tip line at (707) 262-4088 or to reach out directly to his office at (707) 262-4224.
As investigators continue to seek answers, the community is urged to remain vigilant and assist law enforcement in solving the mystery surrounding Adams’ untimely death.