Eastern Sierra News
Written by Benett Kessler Wednesday, 01 July 2009 15:07
More than ten days ago, 22 year old James Rambeau of Bishop died from stab wounds. 
Authorities have said very little about what happened, as they continue with search warrants and questions for witnesses. Detective Sergeant Jeff Hollowell of the Inyo Sheriff's Department said that investigators are "trying to get the pieces together to proceed with the prosecution." Inyo District Attorney Art Maillet said there are two different versions of what happened that now remain under investigation.
Maillet did say that the victim definitely died from stab wounds. He said toxicology tests are pending but that it is known drinking was involved the evening of the murder. (Photo: James Rambeau)
The District Attorney did confirm that disputes developed among a few people, which led to the stabbing of the victim. The DA did file a murder charge against suspect Louis Leplat, 18. The young man was arraigned. Public Defender Elizabeth Corpora represents him.
Detective Hollowell said that since the murder investigators have served 4 search warrants in and around the Bishop area and interviewed 16 people who witnessed or had information regarding this case. He said investigators are still looking for other subjects who may have additional information.
Hollowell also said that the autopsy of the victim revealed the cause of death as Acute Hemorrhage from stab wounds to the chest. The detective said that evidence was turned over to the Orange County Sheriff's Department Forensic Services for blood serum examination, latent prints and trace DNA extraction. Those reports are all pending.
Hollowell asked that anyone with information on this case call the Bishop Sheriff's Substation at 873-7887.
Subscribe to this comment's feedwritten by Family , July 01, 2009
written by countryside , July 01, 2009
written by Inyo Native , July 02, 2009
written by countryside , July 02, 2009
written by countryside , July 02, 2009
written by Wayne Deja , July 04, 2009
written by confused , July 06, 2009
written by Inyo Native , July 10, 2009
written by countryside, July 02, 2009
I WAS ALSO READING ABOUT SHANA DUCKEY'S CASE AND THE WAY IT WAS TREATED. I HAVE GREAT CONCERNS WITH HOW THOROUGH INVESTIGATIONS ARE IN THAT COUNTY. IS THIS COMMON OUT THERE?
Yes, it does seem common in this county, but I believe that this case is being handled better than the others have. This is because the cause of death has been presumed a homicide from the beginning (in other cases it seems like they are always presumed suicides). The local law enforcement seem to have learned a lesson from Shaleen Duckey's case by turning evidence over to Orange County for analysis rather than the FBI, which means they should get the results back faster. And there has been a lack of public speculation printed in the local media, which is refreshing. In past cases, local law enforcement have been less restrained when commenting on the case. In my opinion, they have contaminated many a jury pool in the past by releasing false information about cases.
Regarding comments on this web site
- Comments are moderated, and will not appear until they've been approved.
- Comments on this site do not in any way reflect the views or opinions of the Sierra Wave.
- Please fill in the name field with your real name or initials. We have found that people who use their names carry on more engaging, respectful conversations.
