Friends Mourn Carlsbad Woman Found Dead in Big Sur

Joanna Shields' death is considered suspicious but not a homicide, as investigation continues.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:13am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a hiking boot or water bottle, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.As the investigation into Joanna Shields' suspicious death continues, a stark close-up of a personal item found at the scene offers a glimpse into the mystery.San Diego Today

A 37-year-old Carlsbad woman named Joanna Shields was found dead along a hiking trail in Big Sur, and her friends and family are remembering her as an energetic and deeply connected member of the community. Authorities say her death is suspicious but not a homicide, and they are waiting on toxicology results to determine the cause of death.

Why it matters

Shields' death has shocked her community, as she was known for her passion for skateboarding and her relationships with others. The uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of her death has only added to the heartbreak felt by those who knew her.

The details

Investigators say the initial belief that Shields had ligature marks on her neck was incorrect, and that the marks were actually from ant bites, not signs of strangulation. A sheriff's commander also said there is no information supporting earlier reports of a skull fracture. Shields was a former brand ambassador for Evolve Skateboard in Oceanside, and her family owns Vinaka Café in Carlsbad.

  • Shields' body was found along a hiking trail in Big Sur.

The players

Joanna Shields

A 37-year-old Carlsbad woman who was found dead along a hiking trail in Big Sur. She was a former brand ambassador for Evolve Skateboard and her family owns Vinaka Café in Carlsbad.

Brandon Devroede

The operations manager at Evolve Skateboard, where Shields worked as a brand ambassador. He described her as an energetic and deeply connected member of the community.

Monterey County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency investigating Shields' death, which they say is suspicious but not a homicide.

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What they’re saying

“Shocking, surprising, something none of us would have expected, nothing we would have hoped to happen to anybody especially not her.”

— Brandon Devroede, Operations Manager, Evolve Skateboard

“Joanna was not just a friend to all of us here. She was a big part of the community. Her skating hobby and her life revolved around that, which is what so many people knew of her. She was an awesome coworker of ours, helped so many not just customers but made friends that way. This just became her family and you know, we'll definitely miss that.”

— Brandon Devroede, Operations Manager, Evolve Skateboard

“Our family is grieving the loss our of youngest. She was a bright soul in our community and will be missed by so many.”

— Vinaka Café

What’s next

Investigators are waiting for toxicology results from a state forensics lab to determine the cause of Joanna Shields' death, a process that could take six to eight weeks. The investigation remains open.

The takeaway

Joanna Shields' death has deeply impacted her close-knit community in Carlsbad, where she was known for her passion for skateboarding and her warm relationships with others. The uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of her passing has only added to the heartbreak felt by those who knew and loved her.