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Woman Found Dead in Cottonwood Canal

sedona times / June 17, 2015 / No Comment

Sedona AZ (June 17, 2015) – The YCSO preliminary report is followed by an update:

YCSO preliminary report – On Thursday, June 11, 2015, around 6:00 in the evening, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 2600 block of Mongini Lane in Bridgeport, Cottonwood, Arizona, after the body of a woman was found in a nearby irrigation canal. She was identified as Jennifer Holgate, 23, from Prescott Valley. Deputies and detectives have since canvassed the area for evidence and potential witnesses, but the exact circumstances of her death remain undetermined.

Detectives learned Holgate was released from the Camp Verde Detention Center around 5:00 p.m. on June 9, 2015. She had been in jail for two days after being arrested on a misdemeanor warrant. She is believed to have been back and forth between the Cottonwood area and Prescott Valley area over the last few of days of her life.

Detectives are not disclosing any further details at this time to prevent jeopardizing the ongoing investigation. Detectives are seeking any information from the public on Holgate’s death. This includes anyone who had contact with her in recent days or may have background information that may help establish a timeline of her whereabouts following her release from jail on June 9.

Detective Keith Levin is handling this case and can be reached at 928-777-7389. Callers may also contact Yavapai Silent Witness at 1-800-932-3232 to report information anonymously. Any tip, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is encouraged.

The case number is 15-021746.

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website.

YCSO update – Based on information developed over the last several days, YCSO detectives are changing the focus of its investigation as a homicide becomes a less likely factor.

A resident living near the irrigation canal noticed Holgate swimming alone in the canal during the early afternoon hours of June 11, 2015, the same day her body was found. Additionally, the Medical Examiner has issued preliminary findings indicating a cause of death involving apparent drowning and a drug overdose. There is no evidence otherwise of foul play, but the investigation remains ongoing.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all those who called to provide information. Every lead was reviewed and investigated as necessary.

It was important in this case that YCSO seek public input promptly, due to a lack of initial indications as to how Holgate died. Waiting too long to seek assistance from the public can mean missing critical leads that provide clues to detectives. Again, the calls and concerns from the public were greatly appreciated.

Detectives are still in the process of establishing a timeline for Holgate’s whereabouts, and any contacts she had between June 9 and the afternoon of June 11, 2015. Any information is appreciated. Please contact Detective Keith Levin at 928-777-7271 (a new phone number): Refer to case number 15-021746.