Full Notification

Public Information Release
June 30th, 2017
Sergeant Corey Paulich

On June 30th, 2017 at approximately 2:15pm, Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the 7800 block of Bridge Arbor Road in Upper Lake for a report of a physical altercation between a male and female.

The first deputy arrived on scene approximately five minutes after the initial call. Shortly after arriving, the deputy made contact with male and female through an open bedroom window of the residence. The deputy observed the male assaulting the female. The deputy was able to get the male to stop the assault by using verbal commands.

The male, who was identified as Willy Tujays Timmons, 37, of Upper Lake, was placed under arrest. First aid was provided to the victim, who was identified as Vanessa Yvette Niko, 35, of Upper Lake, but she unfortunately succumbed to her injuries at the scene. The scene was secured and detectives from the Major Crime Unit responded taking over the investigation.

Timmons and Niko had an on and off again relationship with three children in common. They also had a history of domestic violence during their relationship. Timmons was transported to the Lake County Jail where he was booked into custody for 187(a) PC- Murder. Timmons bail is set at $1,000,000. Niko’s cause of death is pending an autopsy that will take place next week.