MENDOCINO CO., 7/15/26 — The woman found shot to death last week inside a pickup truck at an illegal marijuana grow outside Covelo has been identified as Josepha Littlewolf Basurto, 31. A preliminary autopsy finding Wednesday showed she died of a gunshot to the torso, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office said.
The finding ruled her death a homicide. The sheriff’s office said the final cause and manner of death won’t be released until the forensic pathologist completes all the reports from the autopsy and the coroner’s investigation.
Basurto, who was from Covelo, was found the night of July 9 inside a silver 2007 Toyota Tacoma off Rifle Range Road, northwest of town. Deputies noted numerous apparent gunshots into the truck. A relative who had spent hours searching for her found her in the vehicle and called 911.
Investigators had withheld her name earlier and released it after notifying her family.
The sheriff’s office believes several people were involved in the killing but is withholding information while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information can call the sheriff’s office dispatch center at 707-463-4086, option 1, or leave an anonymous tip at 707-234-2100.
Criminal growers tend to attract criminals and more crimes!