Calaveras County Sheriff's Office

09/14/2026

CALAVERAS COLD CASE TASK FORCE

The Calaveras Cold Case Task Force is announcing that, through continued efforts and in partnership with forensic investigative specialists, the identity of the woman previously known as “Parrotts Ferry Jane Doe” has been confirmed.

Anita Kathleen Ranker, born February 18, 1969, in Santa Clara County, has been identified as the woman whose remains were found on October 9th, 2015, beneath the Parrotts Ferry Bridge.

After more than a decade of remaining nameless, this identification represents a significant breakthrough in a case that had gone cold. Through the continued efforts of the Calaveras Cold Case Task Force and the use of modern forensic technology, investigators have been able to provide long-awaited answers regarding the identity of a woman who remained unknown for far too long.

Anita’s remains were discovered partially submerged in 2015 due to the historically low, drought-era level of the Stanislaus River beneath the Parrotts Ferry Bridge. The original investigation revealed that the remains belonged to an unidentified female who was likely the victim of homicide.

Despite extensive investigative efforts, the woman’s identity remained unknown following her discovery, and the case eventually went cold. In 2021, following the creation of the Calaveras Cold Case Task Force, the case was reopened with hopes of using advancements in forensic science to provide answers.

Over the ensuing years, the remains were sent to numerous laboratories, each using cutting-edge technology to attempt to extract DNA suitable for Forensic Genetic Genealogy. The extraction of DNA was complicated by the degradation of the remains, which occurred from being underwater for many years. Resolve Forensics of Utah provided over three years of laboratory services while assigned to this case, making significant progress on extracting DNA suitable for Forensic Genetic Genealogy from the remains.

In June 2026, Astrea Forensics in California successfully extracted usable DNA. Following the successful extraction of DNA, Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy work conducted by Identifinders International led to the discovery of Anita’s relatives, who voluntarily provided a DNA reference sample.

The DNA reference samples have confirmed the identity of Anita Ranker through a two-pronged approach: private laboratory work and the California Department of Justice.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Anita’s death remains active. Task Force members will continue working to gather additional information, identify those responsible, and bring accountability for the crime committed against her.

Investigators believe Ranker disappeared prior to the year 2000. She was never reported missing, and a person of interest has been identified. Anita is believed to have been living in or around Murphys, CA, at the time of her death.

The Calaveras County Cold Case Task Force would like to thank the donors, forensic specialists, partner agencies, investigators, and community members who have supported this investigation over the years. Advances in technology, combined with the dedication of those who refuse to give up on unresolved cases, continue to provide new opportunities to bring answers to victims and their families.

“Every unidentified person represents a family, friends, and a life story that deserves to be known,” said Sheriff Rachelle Whiting. “The identification of Parrotts Ferry Jane Doe is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the Cold Case Task Force and the forensic partners who continued working toward the goal of restoring Anita Ranker’s name.”

The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information related to this investigation to contact the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 754-6500 or provide information through the department’s anonymous tip line at (209) 754-6030.

For more information about the Calaveras Cold Case Task Force non-profit organization, please visit their website at https://www.calaverascoldcase.org.

The laboratory and forensic costs associated with this investigation have exceeded $50,000. This work was made possible entirely through tax-deductible donations to the Calaveras Cold Case Task Force, allowing us to continue searching for the answers that families deserve.

09/11/2026

Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office – Honoring September 11th

Twenty-five years later, we remember.

September 11, 2001, changed our country forever. It was a day that brought unimaginable loss, but it also showed the world what service, courage, and sacrifice look like.

Thousands of first responders ran toward danger while others were trying to escape it. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and civilians put the lives of others ahead of their own.

In the days, weeks, and years that followed, countless Americans answered a different kind of call to service. Some served in our military. Others chose careers in law enforcement, fire, EMS, corrections, and other public safety professions.

Today, we remember the lives lost on September 11th and the many heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice trying to save others.

The photos we are sharing today show just a few of the members of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office who are active or retired military. They represent only a small part of the many men and women who have served, or continue to serve, our country and our community.

Some have worn the military uniform. Others wear the Sheriff’s Office uniform. Some have worn both.

Different uniforms. Different missions. One common commitment: to serve others.

We will never forget September 11, 2001, the lives that were lost, the families forever changed, and the courage shown by so many in the face of unimaginable circumstances.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

09/10/2026

This morning, Sheriff Rachelle Whiting represented the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office at the 2026 State of the County Town Hall, presented by the Calaveras Chamber of Commerce.

The annual meeting brings together city and county representatives, state leaders, and community partners to discuss the issues that matter most to the people of Calaveras County and to look at where we are headed in the years ahead.

Sheriff Whiting shared an inside look at the Sheriff’s Office, including our current operations, staffing, specialty assignments, future goals, and the many different roles our employees serve throughout the county. She discussed the operational impact of multi-year budget reductions and emphasized how our department’s commitment to serving this community remains unwavering through the resilience and adaptability shown by staff during challenging times.

She also highlighted the outstanding work being done by our patrol staff to strengthen relationships with the communities they serve. Our deputies continue to make a point of being present at community meetings, local events, and gatherings throughout the county, building relationships and making sure our residents know the people behind the badge.

Sheriff Whiting also recognized the strong working relationships the Sheriff’s Office has built with other county departments, the city, and our first responder partners. That includes the many fire departments throughout the county, Angels Camp Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and the countless other agencies and organizations we work alongside even up to the federal level.

These partnerships are especially important when our community faces an emergency. The ability to communicate, work together, and rely on one another allows us to better serve our residents when they need us most.

Sheriff Whiting emphasized that the success of Calaveras County is strengthened when the people and organizations serving our communities work together. We are fortunate to have strong partnerships throughout the county, and those relationships make Calaveras County a stronger and more resilient community.

Public safety is about much more than responding when someone calls for help. It is also about being present, listening to our communities, building trust, and working together with the many partners who help make Calaveras County a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

We appreciate the opportunity to be part of today’s conversation and to share the work being done by the men and women of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office every day.

09/10/2026

COLD CASE – HOMICIDE

Help Us Solve the Jack Watts Homicide

On the evening of April 8th, 2018, a male body was found in a rural area between Mokelumne Hill and Paloma, Calaveras County, California.

The male was identified as Jack Edward Watts.

Investigation revealed that after leaving an event in Glencoe, California, on his motorcycle, Jack Watts suffered gunshot wounds to the head, leg, and chest. He was transported to the local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased on arrival.

At the time of his death, Watts was the vice president of an outlaw motorcycle club called the Odin’s Disciples (ODMC).

If you have any information, please call the Anonymous Tip Line at (209) 754-6030.

For more details about the Calaveras County Cold Case Task Force, visit www.calaverascoldcase.org

09/09/2026

COLD CASE – HOMICIDE

Help Us Bring Justice for Hector Girol

On September 9th, 2000, shortly before midnight, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a suspicious death in the town of Copperopolis.

The victim was later identified as 47-year-old Hector Girol.

Hector was located in the shower of his residence with multiple gunshots to his body, which ultimately was the cause of his death. His death was deemed a Homicide, and the case remains unsolved to this day.

If you have any information, please call the Anonymous Tip Line at (209) 754-6030.

For more details about the Calaveras County Cold Case Task Force, visit www.calaverascoldcase.org

09/08/2026

09/03/2026

CANCER AWARENESS MONTH IS ALMOST HERE!

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office is getting ready to GO PINK this October, and we want YOU to join us!

Our “Together We Fight” fundraiser is underway, with a portion of every shirt purchase benefiting the American Cancer Society to support cancer research, prevention, and patient and family programs.

THE ORDERING WINDOW IS CLOSING SOON

If you want your shirt in time for October, please order as soon as possible!

SHIRTS CAN BE ORDERED HERE:

https://www.customink.com/fundraising/calaveras-county-sheriffs-office-goes-pink-2026

Anyone can participate! You don’t have to work for the Sheriff’s Office or the county. If cancer has touched your life or you simply want to show your support, we’d love to have you join us.

Put on a little pink. Take a picture. Share it with us. Let someone know they’re not alone.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office receives no proceeds from this fundraiser. Donations are made directly from Custom Ink to the American Cancer Society.

Order your shirt today and help us show that together, we fight!

09/02/2026

This evening, which happens to be National Police K9 Day, members of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office had the privilege of joining the Order of the Eastern Star for a very special event, the official presentation of a new ballistic vest for Sheriff’s K9 Chiro.

The vest is important. It will help protect Chiro while he is doing his job.

But the story of how we got here means even more. This all started with a wonderful group of people who simply wanted to help. Of course we planned to purchase a vest for Chiro, but this group reached out to Sheriff Whiting and expressed a will to donate a vest the very same day that we announced about K9 Chiro joining our department.

Members of the Order of the Eastern Star held bake sales and other fundraisers to raise money for Chiro. They gave their time, worked hard, and made sure the money raised was set aside specifically for Chiro and the protective gear he needed.

Think about that for a moment.

People in our community saw a need and decided to do something about it.

Every person who bought something at a bake sale, made a donation, helped with a fundraiser, or simply supported their efforts played a pivotal part in getting this vest onto Chiro.
The money was donated with a purpose. It was given because they knew Chiro needed protection, and they wanted to help provide it.
The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors also played an important part by formally accepting the donation on behalf of the County, allowing the vest to become part of the Sheriff’s Office equipment.

We were also very grateful to have Brady’s K9 Fund there for the presentation. Their experience and dedication to working K9s helped make sure the money raised went toward the right protective equipment for Chiro.
There is something special about seeing people come together like this.

Chiro doesn't know about the bake sales. He doesn't know about the donations or the meetings. But he will know the vest is there when he goes to work.

And behind that vest are a lot of people who cared enough to help protect him.

To the members of the Order of the Eastern Star, we simply want to say thank you.

Thank you for seeing a need.
Thank you for giving your time.
Thank you for holding the bake sales.
Thank you for raising the money.
And thank you for caring about Chiro.

To Brady’s K9 Fund, thank you for helping turn that generosity into something that will make a real difference for Chiro.

And to the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors, thank you for accepting this generous donation and helping make it possible for Chiro to have the protection he needs.
This vest may belong to Chiro, but it really belongs to the whole community.

It is a reminder that when people care, they can make a difference.

From all of us at the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office, and especially from Chiro and his handler, thank you.

We are truly grateful.

09/01/2026

Calaveras County Cold Case Task Force 5th Annual Dinner Update

SAVE THE DATE — November 7, 2026!
Join us for the Calaveras County Cold Case Task Force 5th Annual Fundraising Dinner at Ironstone Vineyards, 1894 Six-Mile Road, Murphys, CA!

Enjoy a special evening while supporting the Task Force’s mission to use modern forensic technology to identify human remains, solve cold cases, and bring answers to families searching for their loved ones.

We deeply appreciate your support. Whether you’re able to attend this meaningful event or choose to give from afar, every contribution brings us closer to achieving justice. By participating in this evening, you help advance our mission: to identify unknown individuals, resolve cold cases, and provide long-awaited answers for families.

The evening will also feature raffle prizes, as well as live and silent auctions with unique and specialty items.

Tickets and tables are available now. If you can’t attend, donations are always appreciated.

For tickets to the 2026 Annual Calaveras Cold Case Fundraiser Dinner please visit us at https://www.calaverascoldcase.org

Thank you for helping us give names to the nameless and hope to those still waiting.

09/01/2026

September is Cold Case Month

Every cold case represents a person, a family, and questions that have gone unanswered for far too long.

The Calaveras County Cold Case Task Force was created to help bring those answers. Through continued investigation, advances in DNA technology and forensic science, and partnerships with experts across the country, the Task Force continues to work on cases that have remained unsolved for decades.

The work has already brought answers to families who have waited many years.

Here are some accomplishments of 2026:

On January 15, 2025, the Task Force identified the remains of Reginald “Reggie” Frisby, who had remained unidentified since his remains were discovered in 1985. After 40 years, Reggie’s remains were returned to his family on July 13, 2026.

On April 10, 2025, the remains of Brenda Sue O’Connor, a victim of the Wilseyville Serial Killings, were returned to her family after the Task Force confirmed her identity through years of intensive investigative and forensic work.

We are also hopeful that the Task Force will be able to share significant developments regarding two of our open cases in the near future. While there is still work to be done, we remain committed to following every lead and pursuing every opportunity to bring answers to those who have been waiting.

These accomplishments are not the work of a single agency or group of people. Cold case investigations are a collective effort made possible by public and private donors, specialized forensic laboratories, law enforcement partners, forensic experts, genealogists, and others who contribute their time, expertise, and resources to help solve these cases.

We are grateful for every person and organization that has helped move these investigations forward. Without that support, many of the resources and specialized testing needed to revisit these cases would simply not be possible.

But the work does not stop here.

Throughout September, we will highlight some of the cold cases being investigated by the Calaveras County Cold Case Task Force. Some cases have been public for decades while others involve investigative steps that cannot yet be shared publicly.

What we can tell you is this:

We have not forgotten.
Every piece of evidence matters. Every new lead matters. Every family seeking answers matters.

As we recognize Cold Case Month, we ask our community to follow along, share these cases, and take a moment to remember the people behind them.

For additional information about the Calaveras County Cold Case Task Force, or to learn how you can support its ongoing efforts, please visit our website at:

https://www.calaverascoldcase.org

The work continues.