"We can understand the frustration that members of the Karuk Tribe are feeling with the investigation into the Fourth of July weekend fire that destroyed their Somes Bar ceremonial structure.

Detectives from the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department have been investigating the fire.

According to Julian Lang, a spiritual leader of the Karuk Tribe, Detective Sgt. Randy Bigler told the gathering that the investigation would take time.

The fire that gutted construction at the foot of F Street in Eureka was set Oct. 16, 2005. To date, nearly a year later, no suspects have been arrested. The investigation is ongoing. The ceremonial site fire was less than two months ago.

Investigators are attempting to track down clues that could lead to the arrest of a person or persons who struck in the dead of the night and then disappeared.

We cannot fault law enforcement in this case. It is doubtful anybody left calling cards and until there are substantive clues, there will be no suspects."

Get the Story:
Editorial: No quick answers in ceremonial structure fire (The Eureka Times-Standard 8/19)

Relevant Links:
Katimiin Arson - http://www.katimiin.karuk.org
Karuk Tribe - http://www.karuk.us

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