Rollins Lake

SKULL DISCOVERY

•On October 22, 1995, a partial skull cap was found by a couple walking near “the finger” of Rollins Lake reservoir, an overflow area that feeds under the roadway. PCSO Deputy David Koppin responded. The water level immediately began to rise, making a full search impossible.

NOTE: The above press release was only carried in the Sacramento Bee, October 23, 1995. 

PRELIMINARY AUTOPSY & SEARCHES

•Octobert 23, 1995 - a preliminary autopsy examination was performed by pathologist Henrikson.

•Dr. Henrickson’s report at the autopsy concluded that cause of death was “Undetermined”

•On October 24th, the skull was sent to forensic anthropologist P. Willey at the Human Identification Lab at Chico State University.

• Along with the skull, PCSO Bill Summers requested that photos of Janet Kovacich be included for comparison purposes.

NOTE:  Dr. Willey’s initial examinations, he noted: “Some of the cranial bones were dirt covered, so they were washed and gently brushed before analysis. The broken, separated cranial elements were glued together.” Portions of the glue are visible at the top left corner of the ruler. The shape of the “hole” in the skull was created by Willey.

•Although PCSO Summers had directly told Wiley that he specifically wanted a finding that the remains were of a woman who matched Janet Kovacich, and a determination of homicide by gunshot, Wiley said he would only be willing to bet “$10 on that opinion—but not $100.”

•PCSO asked Willey to bring a team to Rollins Lake to search for additional remains. This request was made per the ongoing contract between PCSO and Willey’s lab to provide such services. 

•During the search, the team recovered a human leg (femur) bone:

•A 3rd search was conducted of the area where the skull and femur were found, and a partial set of dentures was recovered:

•Dr. Henrikson—an actual medical doctor—consulted three other experienced pathologists, all of whom agreed that it was impossible to know if the hole was in the skull at the time of death, or just later damage as it rolled down the hill. It was also more typical of a tool like a pick-ax, not a gunshot. Henrikson did not find a homicide.