Placerville Man Held Without Bail After Woman Found Dead in Home

Geoffrey Snyder, 57, arrested on first-degree murder charge in death of Shelley Snyder, 56

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 57-year-old man was arrested on a murder charge after deputies responded to a report of a person brandishing a firearm and found a woman dead inside a Placerville home. According to the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called about 4 p.m. on Tuesday to a residence in the 1400 block of Big Oak Road, where they detained Geoffrey Snyder. Inside the home, deputies found Shelley Snyder, 56, dead from a suspected gunshot wound. Geoffrey Snyder was arrested and booked into the El Dorado County Jail, where he is being held without bail on a charge of first-degree murder.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the need for greater resources and support to prevent such tragedies. The arrest of Geoffrey Snyder also raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in addressing violent crimes and protecting vulnerable individuals.

The details

According to the sheriff's office, deputies responded to a report of a person brandishing a firearm at the residence on Big Oak Road. When they arrived, they detained Geoffrey Snyder and found Shelley Snyder, 56, dead inside the home from a suspected gunshot wound. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing, and no additional details have been immediately released.

  • Deputies responded to the call around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Geoffrey Snyder

A 57-year-old man arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of Shelley Snyder.

Shelley Snyder

A 56-year-old woman found dead inside the home, suspected to have died from a gunshot wound.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the call and is conducting the ongoing investigation.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant bail for Geoffrey Snyder at a future court hearing.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for greater awareness and action to address domestic violence in our communities. It is a sobering reminder of the importance of providing support and resources to those at risk, as well as the critical role of the criminal justice system in protecting vulnerable individuals.