Robert McElrath, a 37-year-old Susanville police officer, was found dead on January 1, 2011, near a railroad trestle in the Devil’s Corral area about seven miles west of Susanville. The autopsy confirmed a gunshot wound as the cause of death and the death was ruled a homicide. Investigators determined McElrath had been drugged with prescription narcotics, driven to the trestle, shot with his own service weapon, and his body thrown off the bridge.

The inquiry quickly focused on McElrath’s estranged wife, Joanna McElrath, and her alleged boyfriend, Robin Glen James. Joanna and Robert had separated in 2010. Authorities say Joanna sent a text on January 2 implying Robert was gone and that his badge and gun were missing, which raised suspicion because Robert would not have left his badge behind. Joanna and James were arrested January 6, 2011, on charges of murder and conspiracy; investigators say text messages between them described drugging Robert and discussed the firearm used.

What information might help fill gaps in the timeline that night, or anyone who knew the victim and his movements before January 1, 2011?