On June 2nd, 1995, a little after 9:00pm the body of then 33-year-old Joni Marie Grigsby was found deceased along the river outside Springfield. LCSO Detectives investigated her death, and it was ultimately ruled a homicide. Over time every lead ran cold. Investigative tools at the time were not what they are today.

Since that time LCSO Cold Case Detectives have continued to work on the case. In 2023, DNA samples obtained from the crime scene were sent to an outside laboratory for testing. The results of the testing narrowed the field of suspects to small handful, which detectives continued to work through.  

Detectives learned that one of the suspects, Roy C. Gomes, was shot and killed by Sacramento Police on March 5th, 2004, during a violent confrontation.  Gomes was on parole at the time of the shooting.  During Gomes’ autopsy a sample of his DNA was taken. LCSO Cold Case Detectives obtained a copy of Gomes’ DNA sample and submitted it for comparison against the samples obtained from the crime scene.   

Lab analysis confirmed Gomes’ DNA matched what was found at the scene of Grigsby’s murder. Joni Grigsby’s family have been notified of the updates and results of this investigation.  

The Lane County Sheriff’s Cold Case Team is made up of volunteers, who donate their time to help solve unclosed cases. The team is made up of retried officers and detectives who volunteer countless hours to help bring closure to families and the team is completely funded through donations.   

If you are interested in the LCSO Cold Case Team or you would like to donate to their cause, please see the links below for more information. 

https://www.lanecountyor.gov/government/county_departments/sheriff_s_office/support_services/cold_cases  

https://client.pointandpay.net/web/lanecountysheriffdonations