NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Authorities on Saturday arrested a Sonoma man for murder in an investigation that began with an illegal dumping report at a government building.
Christopher McNatt, 40, was arrested in the case, according to a joint report from Sonoma Police Chief Bret Sackett and Sonoma County Sheriff's Sgt. Cecile Focha.
The victim in the case was identified by officials as Ronald Gordon Sauvageau, 64, of Cazadero.
At 11:48 p.m. Friday a subject called the Sonoma Police Department to report illegal dumping in the Sonoma Plaza. Officials said the subject reported that within 15 minutes prior to their call, someone had discarded a barrel and couch cushion in front of Sonoma City Hall.
Deputies from the Sonoma Police Department arrived on scene and found a 55-gallon plastic barrel covered with a blue plastic tarp, according to the report.
Officials said there was dried blood on the outside of the barrel. Upon further inspection, deputies found a deceased adult male inside.
Deputies from the Sonoma Police Department and the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office immediately cordoned off the area and summoned detectives from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes and Crimes Scene Investigations Units, according to the report. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Detective Coroner responded as well and took custody of the deceased.
Working from leads, deputies and detectives went to the Acacia Grove Mobile Home Park on Highway 12 in Sonoma Valley, the report explained.
At a residence within the mobile home park, deputies established the location where the man was killed, which is in the unincorporated area of Sonoma County. Officials said deputies secured the residence pending a search warrant.
Two men were detained in connection with the homicide. They were interviewed by detectives and one – McNatt – subsequently was arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility for murder, officials said.
McNatt is being held without bail and is scheduled for arraignment on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., the report said.
Authorities said that the weapon used during the crime has been recovered.
An autopsy of Sauvageau will be conducted on Tuesday to determine the cause and manner of his death, officials said.
Anyone with information pertaining to this case is encouraged to call the tip line at 707-565-2185. You can leave a message anytime and remain anonymous if you desire.
REGIONAL: Illegal dumping report leads to murder investigation, arrest of Sonoma man
- Lake County News reports
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