SCSO Investigates Butte Valley shooting death of Veterinarian

BUTTE VALLEY, Calif. - On Friday evening, January 17, 2020, at about 12:20 p.m., Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) deputies responded to the 4600 block of East Butte Valley Road in the Dorris area (Butte Valley), in response to a dispatch call reporting a man had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. The decedent was identified as Dr. Dakota Woodard DVM, 31, of Dorris, California.

Butte Valley Ambulance and firefighters attempted to revive the man but tragically, he was pronounced dead. 

A rifle with an expended round was located at the original location where he was found by a relative.  Although the case is still under investigation, the preliminary investigation into the incident has indicated there is no evidence of foul play and there are no indicators of a deliberate act on the part of the victim to injure himself or others in the immediate vicinity.  There is no threat to the public arising from this incident.

An autopsy will be conducted this week to help investigators determine the cause and manner of death in the case. 

According to Sheriff Jon Lopey, “On behalf of the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, I would again like to take this opportunity to extend our thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the decedent, his family, and friends.  This case is still under investigation and anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the SCSO’s 24-hour Dispatch Center at (530) 841-2900.”

Press release provided by the Siskiyou County Sheriffs Office