Three people have been arrested and charged in connection with the ongoing homicide investigation of 41-year-old Emmanuel Pochylski, whose body was discovered near the Plum Valley Campground late last week.
The Modoc County Sheriff’s Office reported that it received initial information about a possible homicide at a residence in Davis Creek on Tuesday, June 24. Deputies began immediate efforts to locate Pochylski, who had last been seen alive on the afternoon of June 11.
Acting on investigative leads, deputies served a search warrant at 41759 Highway 395 in Davis Creek, where evidence confirmed Pochylski was deceased. A major break in the case came on Friday, June 27, when a local rock hunter contacted authorities after finding human remains in a shallow grave in a remote area near the campground. The remains were later positively identified as Pochylski.
As the investigation progressed, three suspects were taken into custody:
- Christina C. Love, 39, of Davis Creek – bail set at $1,040,00
- Benjamin J. Kiser, 27, of Davis Creek – bail set at $1,065,000
- Durrell J. Chambers, 37, of Davis Creek – bail set at $1,065,000
All three face charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, accessory after the fact, and assault with a deadly weapon. The Modoc County Sheriff’s Office noted that additional charges may be forthcoming as the case develops.
Authorities emphasized that this appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no danger to the public at this time.
The Sheriff’s Office extended thanks to the Modoc County District Attorney’s Office, the Alturas Area California Highway Patrol, CAL FIRE Lassen-Modoc Unit, the California Department of Justice Bureau of Forensic Services, the Lake County Oregon Sheriff’s Office, and the Modoc County Sheriff’s Posse. “Their cooperation has been vital to the progress of this case,” said the Modoc County Sheriffs Office.
The investigation remains open and active. Community members with any relevant information are urged to contact Sergeant Nessling or Sergeant Middleton at the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office at (530) 233-4416.
No further details are being released at this time in order to preserve the integrity of the case.
