Coroner raises doubts on suicide in Camp Meeker gun death

The death in February of a man in the unincorporated community of Camp Meeker, initially thought to be a suicide, is now being investigated as a homicide, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.

Deputies responding to the reported suicide at 4 p.m. Feb. 12 at a house on Market Street found 30-year-old Camp Meeker resident James Bauer dead from at least one gunshot wound. A gun was also found.

The Sheriff’s Office said:

“After an initial examination, the coroner detective believed the death was suspicious. Violent Crimes detectives responded and started their investigation. The investigation revealed Mr. Bauer’s death was a homicide and the investigation is ongoing.”

Investigators are working to identify suspects in the case and ask anyone with information to call (707) 565-2185 and ask for Detective Nick Berg.

A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered by the Sonoma County Alliance Community Engagement and Safety Rewards Fund for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects in the case.