Death Of Carlsbad Woman In Remote Big Sur Area Under Investigation

CARLSBAD, CA — Authorities have identified a Carlsbad resident as the woman whose body was discovered last week under suspicious circumstances near a remote hot spring in the Ventana Wilderness area of Monterey County.

Joanna Ruth Shields, 37, was found April 9 in the area of Sykes Hot Springs after California State Parks and Monterey County Sheriff's deputies were alerted to a body seen in the region near Big Sur, according to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office. Deputies recovered the body the following day with assistance from the California Highway Patrol's H70 Air Unit.

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A forensic examination was completed Monday, but the cause and manner of death remain pending toxicology results, officials said.

The Monterey County Sheriff-Coroner's Office identified Shields and was leading the investigation.

Anyone with information was asked to contact Detective R. Geng at 831-755-3700 or submit anonymous tips through the sheriff's office website.