Body ID’d Following Discovery In Livermore Landfill

ALAMEDA COUNTY, CA — Investigators are asking for the public’s help bridging the timeline of a Hayward woman found dead at Livermore landfill on Dec. 31. Deputies were called at 2:15 p.m. New Year's Eve to the Waste Management landfill on the 10800 block of Altamont Road after workers reported finding a woman’s body, which was later identified as 23-year-old Karina Banta, according to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said an autopsy did not show any traumatic injuries to Banta’s body consistent with homicide. Her cause of death is listed as undetermined, pending toxicology and the case is still considered "a suspicious death."

“Banta had an unfortunate history of struggles with mental health, substance abuse and homelessness,” Sgt. Ray Kelly said in a statement. “She had not been in contact with her family since November 2018 and it is unknown where and who she was last seen with prior to her death.”

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Investigators said they believe Banta spent her time in the Hayward area but may have frequented other cities in and around Alameda County. They hope the public may be able to help provide answers for her family.

“We are hoping to determine when she was last seen alive and figure out the exact location where she died,” Kelly said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office at 510-667-7721.

Photo courtesy Karina Banta's family via the Alameda County Sheriff's Office