Chico, CA- On Sunday, March 26, 2017, at about 10:50 am, Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) deputies were dispatched to Lone Pine Avenue near Chico River Road in Chico after a passerby noticed a body in Little Chico Creek. Deputies arrived and found a deceased male in the water. Butte County Search and Rescue crews were dispatched to the scene to retrieve the body and BCSO detectives were also dispatched to investigate. Through fingerprint analysis, the body has been identified as William Kohnke, age 33, of Chico. William was reported missing to the Chico Police Department in January 2017.

BCSO detectives, in conjunction with the Chico Police Department, are investigating this case as a homicide, due to evidence collected at the scene.

An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death and the investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made and anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Jim Beller at (530) 538-7671.