LAKEPORT — Seventy-two hours after taxi cab driver Joe Womachka”s body was discovered inside his taxi van found submerged in Konocti Vista Resort & Casino”s adjoining marina, the Lake County Sheriff”s Office and District Attorney”s Office have not released any information regarding the case.
Lt. Cecil Brown, who is the public information officer at the LCSO, said he had no further information to offer on Monday.
The fact that it was Womachka”s body in the van came from one of his family members following a briefing by LCSO deputies late Friday night after the taxi van was pulled from the lake.
“An investigation is under way,” said Sheriff Rodney Mitchell in a Monday phone conversation with the Record-Bee. When asked if Womachka”s death was being investigated as if it were a homicide, Mitchell said, “Cause and manner has not been established. The investigation is to determine cause and manner.
“It is very suspicious,” added Mitchell. “We hope our investigation yields information that allows us to bring a successful conclusion and a satisfactory resolution to all concerned parties – and that includes the deceased, loved ones and the community.”
D.A. Jon Hopkins confirmed Monday that no charges have been filed by his office in connection with Womachka”s death. He said the Sheriff”s office”s reluctance to release information is necessary to protect the integrity of the case.
“Our foremost concern is making sure that if there is a criminal case, it”s a solid case,” said Hopkins. He explained that an investigation can be compromised if a potential witness comes forward using information read in a news report.
Womachka was reported missing Wednesday morning after he was seen picking up a male passenger at Robinson Rancheria Bingo & Casino around 12:15 a.m., reportedly headed for a residence near Konocti Vista Casino & Resort.
Friends and family remember him as Upper Lake”s soccer coach at its high and middle schools, a generous taxi driver and “the salt of the earth.”
Further information will be reported as it is received.
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com.
