In August of 2007, I asked the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct a review of our investigation into a fatal boating collision that took place on Clear Lake on the night of April 29th, 2006.

On December 10th, 2007, the DOJ notified me by telephone that the review had been completed and that the written report and findings would follow.

On December 20th, 2007, the DOJ report was hand-delivered to me. I have determined that the contents of the report will not have an influence on issues pending before the Courts. Consequently, I am releasing the report in its entirety at this time.

I sincerely appreciate the Attorney General’s staff taking the time out of their schedule to perform this review. I am proud of the professionalism that the members of my department displayed not only the night of that tragic incident but also since the department became the focus of highly emotional scrutiny a few months ago.

Nothing in the DOJ’s findings can be expected to relieve the family and friends of Lynn Thornton of their sense of loss. Nor can this report lift the burden of anxiety for all of the people who were directly impacted by this incident. However, it should remove from the good citizens of this county any remaining doubts or apprehension about their Sheriff’s Office handling of this dreadful incident.

Boating Accident Review Completed by the Department of Justice

Respectfully Submitted,

Rodney K. Mitchell
Sheriff/Coroner/OES Director