Thursday, June 11, 2015 around 6PM, YCSO deputies were dispatched to the 2600 block of Mongini Lane in Bridgeport, Cottonwood, regarding the body of a woman found in a nearby irrigation canal. She was identified as 23-year-old Jennifer Holgate from Prescott Valley.
Based on information developed over the last several days, YCSO detectives are changing the focus of their investigation with a homicide emphasis being a less likely factor. Detectives located a resident living near the irrigation canal that noticed Holgate swimming in the canal alone during the early afternoon hours of June 11, 2015 – the same day her body was found. Additionally, the Medical Examiner has issued preliminary findings indicating a cause of death involving apparent drowning and a drug overdose. There is no evidence otherwise of foul play, but the investigation remains open.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all those who called to provide information regarding this incident. Every lead was reviewed and investigated as necessary. It was important in this case that Sheriff’s Office seek public input promptly due to a lack of initial indications as to how Holgate died. Waiting too long to seek assistance from the public could mean missing critical leads that would help provide clues to detectives. Again, the calls and concerns from the public were appreciated.
Detectives are still in the process of establishing a timeline for Holgate’s whereabouts and any contacts she had between June 9th and the afternoon of June 11th, 2015.