Samantha Tomlinson’s remains were found earlier this week in the Sierra National Forest near Shaver Lake, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
On May 2, 2022, Samantha’s abandoned car was found near Dinkey Creek and Rock Creek Roads east of Shaver Lake, prompting a new search of the area.
It is believed the car had been covered in snow during the winter, preventing anyone from reporting it earlier.
On May 4 search and rescue teams found bones in an area of rough terrain, about half a mile away from where Samantha’s car was discovered.
They were positively identified as belonging to Samantha through dental records on May 6.
Foul play is not suspected in her death.
Samantha Tomlinson’s Disappearance
On the morning of December 3, 2021, Samantha Tomlinson told her roommate that she was heading to the Costco store located on 7100 North Abby Street in Fresno, California, to return a purchased item.
Before leaving the house Tomlinson put her dog Atlas in his crate, then drove away in her car, a 2002 Silver Honda Civic with CA license plate 6YQBD398.
Tomlinson never returned home and hasn’t been heard from since. She disappeared along with the car she was driving that morning.
On December 4, 2021, Tomlinson’s roommate grew concerned after being unable to contact her and called her family. She later filed a missing person’s report with the Fresno Police Department.
Investigation
Authorities recovered two separate security footage videos that showed Samantha on the day of her disappearance.
After leaving her house, Tomlinson was first recorded making a stop to sell a weight set to an unidentified person she met on OfferUp, an online marketplace app. The transaction appeared to have gone smoothly on camera.
Around 12:00 pm, Tomlinson was captured by security cameras at the Costco store located near East Herndon and North Blackstone Avenue in Fresno. She can be seen checking out of the store and leaving the parking lot in her car.
Since Samantha Tomlinson’s disappearance there has been no activity on her bank account, credit cards, or phone. She has a medical condition for which she was required to take medication, but it is unknown if she had the medication with her.
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