News

2nd UPDATE:

Humboldt County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Samantha Karges confirmed this morning that Salvatore Riccobono IV died from "multiple gunshot wounds."

Karges could not say how Riccobono's body ended up on U.S. Highway 101 near Salmon Creek, where it was struck by a driver in the early hours of April 23. She also could not release any information about where Riccobono, originally from Concord, was working, although his LinkedIn page said he was the owner of NorCal Extracts, a Sacramento-based dispensary.

"We believe he was living in Humboldt County at the time of his death," Karges said.

Riccobono's vehicle, a 1998 Gold Infinity SUV, was recovered in Eureka on Sunday April 27 thanks to a citizen tip. Karges could not say if his gun had been found. No suspects have been identified.

"We were really thankful to get that citizen’s tip to find the vehicle," said Karges. "We are grateful for any help the public can offer. The crime tip hotline can be anonymous."

The Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip Line: 268-2539.

1st UPDATE:

According to a press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, the person found dead on U.S. Highway 101 near Salmon Creek on Monday morning has been identified as Salvatore Riccobono IV, age 29, from Concord. Riccobono, who was an owner of NorCal Extracts, according to his LinkedIn page, also had been shot prior to being hit by the car.

While the press release states that Riccobono was shot at least once before being struck by the vehicle, it's not known if he was dead or alive at the time he was struck. The case is being investigated as a homicide.

The sheriff's office also says Riccobono was in possession of a 1998 Gold Infinity SUV with California plate 4ASX760 and known to carry a 9mm pistol, both of which are unaccounted for.

"Further information will be released after the forensic autopsy is completed on April 28th," the release goes on.

PREVIOUSLY:

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office is investigating yesterday's early morning death of a pedestrian near Salmon Creek  (on the northbound Highway 101). According to the press release, the office received an emergency call at 5 a.m. about a vehicle v. pedestrian collision. The investigation was turned over to the Criminal Investigations Division, which responded with a detective and an evidence technician. A forensic autopsy is scheduled for Saturday, after which the HCSO says more information may be forthcoming.

Lt. Ernie Stewart told the Journal that the driver in this incident was not at fault but the collision was "how they became aware of the incident." He would not say if the person struck was alive or dead when struck by the vehicle.

"When the investigation commenced, we quickly realized there was much more to the story than we originally thought," said Stewart.

Stewart added that the sheriff is having trouble locating the deceased's next of kin, and the name of the deceased has yet to be released.

See the full press release from the sheriff's office copied below:

On April 23, 2018 at 0500 hours, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call about a vehicle vs. pedestrian collision on NB101 near Salmon Creek. The call was transferred to the California Highway Patrol. California Highway Patrol Officers and Sheriff’s Deputies responded. It was determined the pedestrian was deceased and the California Highway Patrol requested a response from the Coroner.

The Deputy Sheriff/Coroner arrived on scene and began his investigation. Based on the Deputy Sheriff/Coroner’s observations, he requested a response from the Criminal Investigations Division. Detectives and an evidence technician responded. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is investigating this as a suspicious death. A forensic autopsy is scheduled for Saturday, April 28th. No further information regarding this incident will be released until after the autopsy is completed.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip Line at (707) 268-2539.



From the Sheriff's Office:

Case Number: 201801945 Subject: Death Investigation – Update

The person found deceased on US 101 near Salmon Creek has been positively identified as Salvatore Riccobono IV, age 29, from Concord, California. Riccobono was in possession of a 1998 Gold Infinity SUV with California plate 4ASX760 which is unaccounted for. Riccobono was also know to carry a 9mm pistol which is also unaccounted for. If someone sees the vehicle they should not approach it and contact law enforcement as soon as possible.

Our investigation indicates that Riccobono had been shot at least one time prior to being struck by the involved vehicle. It is not known if he was alive or deceased when he was struck by the vehicle. Further information will be released after the forensic autopsy is completed on April 28th. This incident is being investigated as a Homicide.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip Line at (707) 268-2539.