Underwear-clad woman found lying on Highway 29 a possible homicide

Authorities are calling the death of a woman found lying on the southbound lane of Highway 29 near Calistoga on Sunday morning a possible homicide.

Initial reports came in just before 5 a.m. as a likely fatal hit-and-run incident near Old Lawley Toll Road. However, there were no signs of a crash when law enforcement officers arrived on the scene, said Capt. Doug Pike with the Napa County Sheriff’s Office.

“This is a rural country roadway. Pedestrians are very few in that area,” Pike said. “There was no vehicle associated with her or an accident.”

The woman, who was in her 50s, suffered major head injuries, Pike said. She was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial but died en route, he added.

Authorities did not release her name Sunday evening. They were trying to locate her next of kin.

She was found in the roadway wearing only a jacket and her undergarments, according to a CHP official, who did not want to be identified.

Although he could not confirm what she was wearing, Pike said “she obviously wasn’t out hiking or jogging.”

Several passers-by called 911 after seeing the woman lying in the roadway in the early morning, Pike said. That section of the highway remained closed and traffic was diverted for much of the day as investigators combed the scene for evidence.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident along with CHP and members of the county’s homicide task force. They’re still trying to determine what happened and how long she was on the road, Pike said.

They need help from the public in putting together a timeline, Pike added. He asked anyone who saw the woman or drove in the area Sunday before 5 a.m. to contact deputies.

“We’re looking for any information that someone might have (that can) assist us,” Pike said.

Those with information should call sheriff’s Detective Chris Pacheco at 253-4591.

Staff Writer Martin Espinoza contributed to the report. You can reach Staff Writer Eloísa Ruano González at 521-5458 or eloisa.gonzalez@pressdemocrat.com.