YREKA, Calif. — A man was arrested in connection with the murder of a woman in 2005 in Yreka, California.
In a news release, Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office said that on Feb. 6, Philip William Frase, 75, was arrested by investigators in Yreka, California for the murder of Patricia Joseph.
Authorities say on July 15, 2005, Joseph, 56 at the time, was reported missing from her house in Fort Jones, California. She was found three days later in Klamath River near the Ash Creek Bridge along State Route 96, about 27 miles from her hometown. Joseph was found partially clothed and it appeared that she was in the water for several days. The medical examiner found that she died from multiple blunt-force traumas and asphyxia.
Joseph’s case was reopened in 2021 and investigators used new technology to analyze evidence that was collected, the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office said, according to The Associated Press. The new technology helped lead investigators to the arrest of Frase.
“The cold case team completed a comprehensive review of the investigation and re-submitted evidence to the Department of Justice for fresh analysis, which produced compelling results connecting Frase to the killing of Patricia,” said Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office in the news release.
Investigators have not released a motive or if Frase and Joseph knew one another, according to the AP.
“This arrest is the result of the determination of our investigators and reflects our faithful commitment to pursuing justice for victims of violent crimes and their families. Our cold case team will continue to focus on these cases with dedication. I would like to commend everyone for their devotion to this investigation and thank the District Attorney’s Office for their assistance. Our hearts are with Patricia’s family, and we hope this arrest begins the path toward closure and healing,” said Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff LaRue in the news release.
Frase is being held on a $2 million bail, according to the AP.
