Woman found dead in rural East Bay field finally identified
Toxicology tests are likely to determine what killed a woman found dead in a field near the Byron Highway earlier this month, authorities said.
On Friday, authorities publicly released the identity of 56-year-old Beverly Johnson, 10 days after somebody found her body. According to Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Jimmy Lee, Johnson was a transient who apparently hitched rides throughout the state.
Authorities held off on publicly releasing her identity, because they could not track down any next of kin.
The coroner performed an autopsy Sept. 4 and are waiting for the toxicology results before determining a cause of death.
Authorities found Johnson’s body in a field of a property by the Byron Highway and Herdlyn Road.
Investigators are still looking for information, and say Johnson was wearing a white shirt and black sweatpants when she was found. She was 5 foot 6, 115 pounds and had colored brown hair and brown eyes.
Those who can help with information were urged to call the sheriff’s office at 925-313-2600. Anonymous tips can be left at 866-846-3592 or by e-mailing tips@so.cccounty.us.