Questions linger as sheriff investigates woman’s death

The cause of death for Tamera Sanders — a Crescent City woman who was found deceased in a burned down barn on May 3 — has been determined as carbon monoxide poisoning due to smoke inhalation, according to a June 23 press release from the Del Norte Sheriff’s Office.

Sanders' body was discovered by sheriff’s deputies following a fire at a barn on Bertsch Avenue and Howland Hill Road on May 2. Since then, the sheriff’s office has been investigating the suspicious death. According to the sheriff’s office, Sanders’ autopsy report showed her death was caused by smoke inhalation, however, the manner of her death is still unknown.

The sheriff’s office said they have found no evidence of arson but have not ruled it out.

“Evidence is often destroyed in fires,” wrote the sheriff’s office in the press release.

“Tamera Sanders was not a resident at the address and it is believed that nobody was residing in the building. The reason she was inside the building or how she came to be there is unknown...Tamera may have been experiencing challenges towards the end of her life, but it is important to remember that she was a mother, daughter, loved-one and friend.”

If you or someone you know has any information regarding Sanders’ death, please contact the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office at 707-464-4191. Or submit an anonymous tip via text message by texting DNSOTIP and your tip to 847411 (tip411).