“I will Never Stop Fighting for Justice”

The grieving mom of 29 year old Tamera Sanders addressed the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors at its May 28 meeting, concerning her daughter’s suspicious death three years ago; the presentation was profound and emotional. Kelley Metcalf exclaimed, “I will never stop fight for justice.”

It should be duly noted and clarified current Sheriff’s administration and Sheriff Garrett Scott were not involved in the original investigation. The 2021 incident fell under the watch of former Del Norte Sheriff Eric Apperson and his successor appointed Sheriff Randy Waltz. To present, Kelley Metcalf’s allegations should not cast any malfeasance against the Del Norte Sheriff’s Office, former sheriffs Apperson and Waltz or any of the Department’s employees, until proven otherwise.

Kelley Metcalf addressed the supervisors from the public dias about the questionable circumstances involving the death of Tamera in a barn fire on Howland Hill Road and Bertsch Avenue, in May, three years ago. The Coroner’s Report listed Tamera’s death as a suicide associated with inhaling carbon monoxide fumes.

After due diligence, mom Kelley surmised the Report concerning her daughter was patently incorrect, claiming Tamera would have had to pour accelerate over her body then locked the doors to the barn from the outside.

Kelly expressed her doubts and suspected foul play was involved. “I paid $700 to have Tamera’s remains exhumed and $6500 for a second autopsy.” Kelley gleaned her understanding from the second autopsy that her daughter may have been murdered. Also shared were witness reports gunshots were heard prior to the fire. Kelley alleges three individuals approached her and reported Tamera was murdered. Deputies reportedly retrieved multiple shell casings from the scene.

In an emotional, tear-filled delivery, Kelly Metcalf asserts a DNSD cover up is allegedly hindering a full investigation into her daughter’s death. “Tamera’s death was not a suicide. It was a homicide. This is an injustice and I demand a full investigation.” Tamera’s brother, sister and step-dad also delivered emotional pleas to re-open the investigation. The family expressed its interaction with the Sheriff and staff as unprofessional, rude and devoid of empathy.

Sheriff Scott was expediently responsive and told The Triplicate DNSD investigator Keith Doyle has been assigned to examine both coroner’s reports and the arson incident report.

Kelley Metcalf’s remarks to the Board may be seen on YouTube, Del Norte County Board of Supervisors, May 28 meeting during Public Comments beginning 10:26 time frame.