Found Deceased CA - Kiely Rodni Missing From Party Near Prosser Family Campground in Truckee #6

[getthefax]

That looks correct, and my thought is she drove down to that little fishtail/Y-intersection directly between the “C” and the “party spot”, followed the spur to the left towards the “C” to stop off at the beach before heading home, but encountered water on the shoreline earlier than expected.

Thanks!

I’m going to zoom in on those regions now—but *very* easy to get turned around in those tree-ey areas and get off the path.
Curious how even the little fishtail spot has one fork that leads straight down to the water.

I understand the waterline would have been higher— I will do my best to add where that would have been too (though others did a good job before, just not sure I can find their work in all the threads!)

 

[RedHaus]

I’ve just been on Google Earth looking at the terrain and roads there.
I went back through a zillion threads and could t find the helpful maps that others posted looking right at the roads (the satellite shots are recent, as there are LE vehicles pictures near the Prosser boat ramp).

Could folks help me confirm if I have the correct regions marked on this map? Specifically, the orange C to mark where her car was found, and the location of the yellow “party spot” text? I want to be sure I’m superimposing onto the correct spots before I go too far w/my mapping…

Not trying to be lazy here—just want to be sure. TIA for any confirmation/corrections.


View attachment 361516

This looks good to me. The orange C might need move up slightly - very slightly. But may be an immaterial change to what you have now. Good luck!

 

[Slamalam]

Yes!! That’s what I’ve been saying for 3 threads, lol. She was going back to that campground the next morning. That’s why SS just thought she would stay the night. A 16 yo probably doesn’t want to drive anywhere, especially if she’s been drinking, with open or closed bottles in her car.

Is that in a Sami interview? That she was returning to the *exact same place*? (I’ve been wondering exactly how familiar she was with this exact camping area.)

 

[SpideySense]

where did you hear it was the same spot? I heard camping trip but no location. There are lots of campsites around Tahoe.

It was very early on, like first days. I have a recollection that SS or someone said that “she (Kiely) was planning to meet friends out there the next day” or something, and that’s why it seemed reasonable for SS to think she was going to sleep there. Then as more details came out, that turned into meeting at Starbucks and going “camping” with people. But I do remember a friend saying she was going back “there” the next day. I’ll try to find it.

Edit: I’ll add that it’s possible in the early chaos, someone might have said Kiely was planning to go out there the next day, and that person was wrong or misspoke. And maybe she actually was going to camp elsewhere. But I definitely recall in the beginning thinking, “Ugh, that sounds rough - party, drive home and sleep for a few hours, then drive right back early the next morning?”

Also, I’m very familiar with the area and know there are campgrounds all over the place, so I wouldn’t have assumed it was Prosser unless I read that. My parents owned a house in Sunnyside, 1/2 hour from Truckee along Lake Tahoe, for 30 years. We went up multiple times every summer until just about 5 years ago when they sold.

 

[OldCop]

I know many have, but I still have not ruled out that she went in from the boat ramp. I know it does not seem likely, but from what you describe, I would say it is at least as likely as her having gone in the route you drove. I do think the CHP MAIT investigation will be able to clear that up hopefully. I know it is around a bend, but would love to know, in approximate feet, how far her car was found from the boat launch. Submerged vehicles have been found 100 feet or more from their point of entry JMO

I know this isn’t precise, but using the measure distance tool in Google maps, from where the car would have gone in the water at the boat ramp to where it was eventually recovered, it came out to be about .84 mile. I just don’t know if it would drift down the inlet as opposed out to the more open water.

 

[SteveP]

I know this isn’t precise, but using the measure distance tool in Google maps, from where the car would have gone in the water at the boat ramp to where it was eventually recovered, it came out to be about .84 mile. I just don’t know if it would drift down the inlet as opposed out to the more open water.

I agree. If that measurement is even remotely close, I don't believe the car could have been driven off the boat ramp. That satisfies me. Thanks for the help!

 

[Beekarina]

It was very early on, like first days. I have a recollection that SS or someone said that “she (Kiely) was planning to meet friends out there the next day” or something, and that’s why it seemed reasonable for SS to think she was going to sleep there. Then as more details came out, that turned into meeting at Starbucks and going “camping” with people. But I do remember a friend saying she was going back “there” the next day. I’ll try to find it.

If that is the case, this is even sadder.

Why not just get some friends together and sleep at the campground after the party as suggested?

 

[Sachi]

Okay guys. I'm going to put something out there because it all still doesn't add up to me.

I drove out there again because it's just nagging at me. Before I was only on the paved road. Now that she didn't go off the boat ramp and was in another area entirely, I went out on the dirt roads instead, where the kids were that night.

And this is something I haven't heard mentioned yet and it's important.

We have heard people hypothesizing that she might have been going 30-40 mph.

I have a solid 4WD vehicle. This is what people need to understand. Those dirt roads are brutal. If you went 30-40 mph out there, your car would be destroyed. I didn't know and going about 5 mph, some things in my car got broken on the drive.

There are massive bumps and ruts in the road. Think speed bumps on steroids. Your car is lurching around even at slow speeds.

The beach is slightly smoother but it simply makes zero sense that she'd be driving fast. And there is plenty of time after exiting the very narrow brush fringed dirt roads to recognize you're on the beach. There is a steeper dropoff right toward the water otherwise it's a very gradual slope, very bumpy, and very obviously not the dirt road home.

I'm still having a tough time believing she drove herself into the water. Mostly I wanted people to understand how insanely rough the roads are in that area. And super narrow as well.

This. Hmm. thank you.

 

[getthefax]

Yes!! That’s what I’ve been saying for 3 threads, lol. She was going back to that campground the next morning. That’s why SS just thought she would stay the night. A 16 yo probably doesn’t want to drive anywhere, especially if she’s been drinking, with open or closed bottles in her car.

Yeah. I don’t know if she was returning to this campground in the morning (i thought she was meeting at Starbucks for a hike), but seems likely she could crash out for awhile to let the booze wear off, especially if she thought she could come in late and mom would already be asleep. MO/MSO.

 

[Arkay]

In this case, it wouldn't require another perp. Dump the car, body, and evidence, go home in your own car.

Again, I have 100% respect that you live in Truckee and that you drove down the road Kiely would have driven, and that the road was treacherous, so you don't think Kiely drove herself there.

I'm still unclear, though, on what you think did happen. I know you say you're believing it's foul play, but I'm confused about the logistics.

The road is extremely difficult to navigate, even with your AWD and even at 5 mph, even in the daytime. I hear you. I understand. But how would the scenario you envision here actually happen?

If someone else drove Kiely there, with murderous intent, how did that person get down the impassible road? How could he (I presume a male) have driven Kiely over that terrible road, gotten the car which you speculate he drove with her into the lake, when he was allegedly driving it, and then "go home in <his> own car?"

If I'm reading it correctly, it would be impossible for someone to not only traverse a treacherous road, but to drive it into the lake while he himself is behind the wheel, leave the car with Kiely in the lake, and yet take his own car home down that road.

Are you thinking therefore that more than one car made this deadly trip? An accomplice that followed them and then drove the culprit back?

I'm not meaning to come off as argumentative, at all, I just can't grasp the logistics. If it's a road that is a menace to a car, it's even more difficult for me to imagine two cars taking that trip.

Only my own opinion and I know I don't live there. I am truly just inquiring.

 

[steeltowngirl]

Saw some folks were looking for history of previous accidents. There has been at least one previous drowning fatality from a vehicle at Prosser Reservoir. In this one the car was at the edge of the water, but the man drowned.

TRUCKEE – Nevada County Sheriff’s Office investigators believe the man they found dead in three feet of water in Prosser Reservoir Tuesday probably drowned, according to sheriff’s Sgt. Frank Koehler.

Deputies discovered the body of Christopher Gallagher, 43, outside of his SUV after his wife reported him missing to the Truckee Police Department Tuesday morning.

(..)
This time of year it’s not unusual” to find an abandoned vehicle in the local reservoirs, Koehler said. “Teenagers will go four-wheeling and leave a vehicle out there.”

Man found dead in Prosser Reservoir

TRUCKEE - Nevada County Sheriff's Office investigators believe the man they found dead in three feet of water in Prosser Reservoir Tuesday probably drowned, according to sheriff's Sgt. Frank

www.tahoedailytribune.com

 

[getthefax]

I know this isn’t precise, but using the measure distance tool in Google maps, from where the car would have gone in the water at the boat ramp to where it was eventually recovered, it came out to be about .84 mile. I just don’t know if it would drift down the inlet as opposed out to the more open water.

I agree. I think there is just no way.

Here’s a shot from Google earth showing the res and the spillway, where water is released daily on a schedule.
The current would be moving toward the deep end of the reservoir, where it is released, rather than back up toward those creeks where the car was located:

 

[OldCop]

Yes, to repeat, I have AWD. My car is solid AWD and has no trouble handling our ridiculous snow and ice. There are SUVs with higher clearance but hers is probably similar to mine. I went on the road even though it said "not recommended" because I thought "but hundreds of kids drove this road." It is not flat. It is not wide. It is treacherous. I would prefer not to drive it again. It is not believable IMO that she would have been able to drive it at all and then "accidentally" drive off a beach into a lake.

Thanks for doing this, @Truckeeite. Can you tell us if the main road from 89 to the campground is paved? Or is it wider/in better condition than those narrow roads in the party area? Is that likely the way the kids would come in to the party area?

 

[CuriousObserver1]

Okay guys. I'm going to put something out there because it all still doesn't add up to me.

I drove out there again because it's just nagging at me. Before I was only on the paved road. Now that she didn't go off the boat ramp and was in another area entirely, I went out on the dirt roads instead, where the kids were that night.

And this is something I haven't heard mentioned yet and it's important.

We have heard people hypothesizing that she might have been going 30-40 mph.

I have a solid 4WD vehicle. This is what people need to understand. Those dirt roads are brutal. If you went 30-40 mph out there, your car would be destroyed. I didn't know and going about 5 mph, some things in my car got broken on the drive.

There are massive bumps and ruts in the road. Think speed bumps on steroids. Your car is lurching around even at slow speeds.

The beach is slightly smoother but it simply makes zero sense that she'd be driving fast. And there is plenty of time after exiting the very narrow brush fringed dirt roads to recognize you're on the beach. There is a steeper dropoff right toward the water otherwise it's a very gradual slope, very bumpy, and very obviously not the dirt road home.

I'm still having a tough time believing she drove herself into the water. Mostly I wanted people to understand how insanely rough the roads are in that area. And super narrow as well.

“Mostly I wanted people to understand how insanely rough the roads are in that area. And super narrow as well.”

I think this is why an inexperienced, intoxicated (if that is the case), tired driver driving in the dark who is possibly stressed/rushing (as later than planned curfew), with maybe some drama from the party playing on their mind - it is completely plausible a mistake could easily happen and they end up in the water.

 

[JosephK]

Okay guys. I'm going to put something out there because it all still doesn't add up to me.

I drove out there again because it's just nagging at me. Before I was only on the paved road. Now that she didn't go off the boat ramp and was in another area entirely, I went out on the dirt roads instead, where the kids were that night.

And this is something I haven't heard mentioned yet and it's important.

We have heard people hypothesizing that she might have been going 30-40 mph.

I have a solid 4WD vehicle. This is what people need to understand. Those dirt roads are brutal. If you went 30-40 mph out there, your car would be destroyed. I didn't know and going about 5 mph, some things in my car got broken on the drive.

There are massive bumps and ruts in the road. Think speed bumps on steroids. Your car is lurching around even at slow speeds.

The beach is slightly smoother but it simply makes zero sense that she'd be driving fast. And there is plenty of time after exiting the very narrow brush fringed dirt roads to recognize you're on the beach. There is a steeper dropoff right toward the water otherwise it's a very gradual slope, very bumpy, and very obviously not the dirt road home.

I'm still having a tough time believing she drove herself into the water. Mostly I wanted people to understand how insanely rough the roads are in that area. And super narrow as well.

Thanks for the firsthand research! What you said is similar to what the P.I., Steve Fisher said in a recent interview. I've never believed she simply drove into the water due to intoxication or the dark conditions, although I admit that is in the realm of possibility.

 

[megs1477]

All I remember reading is she had plans to meet her friend(s) she was camping with at Starbucks the following morning. I do not remember reading or hearing they were camping at Prosser. Were they? The only semi-related thing I recall is SS saying Kiely might sleep at the campground instead of driving home.

Staying the Night Quote
I believe this was an error on the media's part, as all other quotes indicate she was planning to return home. Perhaps Sami mentioned the camping the following night and the media mis-quoted her.

Another interesting quote from her friend Mags in hindsight:
“We know there’s no way she could have gotten herself out of there if she was drunk,” she said. “The roads in and out are too hard. With how drunk she was she wouldn’t have been able to navigate them.” KOLOTV

 

[borndem]

Welcome to Websleuths,
airyberry !!

 

[JosephK]

Staying the Night Quote
I believe this was an error on the media's part, as all other quotes indicate she was planning to return home. Perhaps Sami mentioned the camping the following night and the media mis-quoted her.

Another interesting quote in hindsight:
“We know there’s no way she could have gotten herself out of there if she was drunk,” she said. “The roads in and out are too hard. With how drunk she was she wouldn’t have been able to navigate them.” KOLOTV

Just to clarify, since you mention Sami in your first paragraph, that quote is from Mags.

 

[megs1477]

Just to clarify, since you mention Sami in your first paragraph, that quote is from Mags.

Edited to clarify. Thank you

 

[Seattle1]

AWP went directly to the right spot and found her in less than 30 min. MOO- LE had good, not public, data on her last phone position(s) that led them to that area vs the easiest way to get into the water, the boat ramp. They didn't just randomly select that spot.

We have no idea what a drunk 16yr old might do at a party in the middle of the night after having been left alone by all of her friends. She may have been driving on the beach for all we know.

I agree that AWP likely had good data from Nevada/Placer County authorities to enter the water at the right location, but disagree that the data for the location came from KR's phone.

Instead, I think it's most likely AWP chose the location from the sonar grids/maps provided them by the previous search team.

From previous cases, we know that accurate cell phone GPS requires "triangulation" (data analysis from 3 towers):

While it appears there might be good cellular coverage here, the reality is that we are looking at an area of 1500 sq miles, and what appears to be only 1 tower at the actual campground location -- thus making triangulation difficult (i.e., the distance between the towers), and far less chance for an accuarate pinpoint location using KR's cell phone.

For the phone stats, please see P/E 8/21/22 episode. Also, MK confirmed he previously provided AWP with the cell tower data for the park. JMO