SCSO Cold Case Unit Reopens 1991 Homicide Case

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is requesting the public’s assistance in solving a 1991 homicide of Maye Elma Mechling, aged 77, found shot to death at her home in Klamath River, CA. Through their renewed investigative effort, the Cold Case Unit has identified multiple persons of interest. We are requesting the public come forward if they know details about the homicide that may be helpful to investigators. 

The Case
On March 28th, 1991, at approximately 11:15 a.m., Edward and Joann Tawney reported a dead body to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO). The body was located at 1137 McKinney Creek Road in the community of Klamath River, and identified as Maye Mechling (DOB 7-06-1913).

The Tawneys found Ms. Mechling deceased on the kitchen floor of her McKinney Creek Road home, a single-family dwelling in a remote, wooded area, far removed from other residences. Prior to the discovery of her body, Ms. Mechling had last been seen picking up mail from her mailbox at Walker Road and McKinney Creek Road on March 26th, 1991, at approximately 4:00 p.m.

When SCSO detectives arrived at the scene, they determined that no forced entry into the Mechling residence had occurred, as the front entry door was unlocked. And while no personal property appeared to have been removed from the residence, Ms. Mechling’s bedroom had been ransacked. Detectives also noted a milk container lying next to the body, along with a cup of black coffee on the kitchen counter. Her cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the head, consistent with a 30-caliber type firearm.

Known as good and loving person by her fellow Klamath River residents, Ms. Mechling was a widow that had lived alone since her husband died 3 years prior in a car accident. She was a lifetime resident of Siskiyou County that visited her elderly friends daily, maintained a tidy residence, and was financially stable. At the time of her death, Ms. Mechling was known to be in good health, was well-liked, and did not seem to be in trouble or under duress.

After reviewing the crime scene, SCSO detectives determined that since there no signs of forced entry to the residence, and that coffee was being prepared, Ms. Mechling likely knew the person or persons who shot her. Additionally, they believe that the ransacked bedroom was staged to make it look like Ms. Mechling was murdered during a burglary attempt.

If anyone has any information regarding Ms. Mechling’s homicide investigation, please contact the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit at (530) 841-2900 or via the anonymous tip line on our new Unsolved Cases website.

a SCSO Press Release