News

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office has deemed the death of a 28-year-old woman in Kneeland on Saturday to be a homicide and obtained an arrest warrant for a suspect in the case.

According to a press release, investigators have obtained an arrest warrant for Austin Michael Medeiros, 27, of Warwick, Rhode Island, in the case, and believe Medeiros may be en route to Mendocino County. He is described a white man, standing 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighing about 125 pounds with long brown/bonde hair and hazel eyes.

"Community members are cautioned against providing transportation to hitchhikers anywhere in our county," the press release states. "If you see Medeiros, do not approach him but call 911 immediately."

The victim the case has been identified as Emily Rose May Lobba, though her cause of death is being withheld to "protect the integrity of the investigation."

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

Kneeland death deemed homicide, suspect sought

The death of a Kneeland woman has been deemed a homicide following a forensic autopsy Thursday.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office investigators have identified 27-year-old Austin Michael Medeiros of Warwick, Rhode Island as the suspect in this case, and have obtained a warrant for his arrest in connection to this homicide.

Medeiros is described as a white male adult, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, 125 pounds, with long brown/blonde hair and hazel eyes. He is also believed to have an unknown face tattoo underneath an eye. Current investigative information indicates that Medeiros may be enroute to Mendocino County. Community members are cautioned against providing transportation to hitchhikers anywhere in our county. If you see Medeiros, do not approach him, but call 911 immediately.

The decedent has been identified as 28-year-old Emily Rose May Lobba. Lobba’s cause of death is being withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation.

This case remains under investigation. More information will be released when available and appropriate.

Anyone with information regarding Medeiro’s current whereabouts or intended destination is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.