The Keddie Cabin Murders
New DNA evidence emerged on January 18, 2026, pointing to other living suspects in the 1981 Keddie Cabin Murders, even as initial suspects Martin Smartt and Bo Boudebe are deceased. As of February 13, 2026, a hammer believed to be a murder weapon was found in a pond near the crime scene, 35 years after the murders of Sue Sharp, her son John, his friend Dana Wingate, and Tina Sharp in Keddie, California. Forensic examination on January 21, 2026, confirmed a BB gun and two different hammers were involved, and former Plumas County Sheriff Greg Hagwood and investigators believe people connected to the case are still alive. Investigator Mike Gamberg was brought out of retirement in 2013 to re-examine the case, leading to the 2016 discovery of the hammer. The initial crime scene was reportedly mishandled, leading to the loss of key evidence and admitted errors by law enforcement.
Timeline
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February 2026 — 1 developments
Martin Smartt allegedly confessed to a counselor in May 1981 and wrote a letter to his wife that investigators had difficulty admitting as evidence.
Martin Smartt allegedly confessed to a counselor in May 1981 and wrote a letter to his wife that investigators had difficulty admitting as evidence. A hammer believed to be a murder weapon was found in a pond near the crime scene after being there for 35 years.
January 2026 — 5 developments
Forensic examination in the Keddie Cabin Murders case confirmed that a BB gun was involved, in addition to two different hammers.
Forensic examination in the Keddie Cabin Murders case confirmed that a BB gun was involved, in addition to two different hammers.
Former Plumas County Sheriff Greg Hagwood and investigators believe that people connected to the Keddie Cabin Murders case are still alive.
Former Plumas County Sheriff Greg Hagwood and investigators believe that people connected to the Keddie Cabin Murders case are still alive.
A video summary of the investigation revealed that the Plumas County Sheriff's Department had eight …
A video summary of the investigation revealed that the Plumas County Sheriff's Department had eight investigators on the case, released sketches of two unidentified men seen before the murders, and forensic examination confirmed two different hammers were involved.
Investigator Mike Gamberg was brought out of retirement in 2013 by Plumas County Sheriff Greg Hagwood to re-examine the case.
Investigator Mike Gamberg was brought out of retirement in 2013 by Plumas County Sheriff Greg Hagwood to re-examine the case. Furthermore, in 2016, investigators found a hammer believed to be the murder weapon.
New DNA evidence has emerged, pointing to other living suspects in the Keddie Cabin Murders, even as the initial suspects, Martin Smartt and Bo Boudebe, are deceased.
New DNA evidence has emerged, pointing to other living suspects in the Keddie Cabin Murders, even as the initial suspects, Martin Smartt and Bo Boudebe, are deceased.
December 2025 — 1 developments
The initial crime scene of the 1981 Keddie Cabin murders was reportedly mishandled, leading to the loss or destruction of key evidence and admitted errors by law enforcement.
The initial crime scene of the 1981 Keddie Cabin murders was reportedly mishandled, leading to the loss or destruction of key evidence and admitted errors by law enforcement.
June 2025 — 2 developments
An anonymous call identifying the skull of 12-year-old Tina Sharp reportedly disappeared from police records, highlighting initial investigative errors in the case.
An anonymous call identifying the skull of 12-year-old Tina Sharp reportedly disappeared from police records, highlighting initial investigative errors in the case.
The victims of the Keddie Cabin Murders were identified as Sue Sharp, her son John, his friend Dana Wingate, and Tina Sharp, whose remains were later found.
The victims of the Keddie Cabin Murders were identified as Sue Sharp, her son John, his friend Dana Wingate, and Tina Sharp, whose remains were later found. Initial suspects in the investigation included Martin Smartt and John Boubede.
January 2025 — 1 developments
Local author David Keller published a new book titled 'Solving Keddie' in January 2025, which is the culmination of 20 years of research into the 1981 Keddie homicides.
Local author David Keller published a new book titled 'Solving Keddie' in January 2025, which is the culmination of 20 years of research into the 1981 Keddie homicides.
September 2024 — 1 developments
Investigators have tested the hammer and knife for DNA evidence in recent years.
Investigators have tested the hammer and knife for DNA evidence in recent years.
April 2024 — 1 developments
Tina Sharp's remains were found in 1984, three years after the initial murders.
Tina Sharp's remains were found in 1984, three years after the initial murders. Additionally, a mysterious phone call was received by the Butte County Sheriff's Office shortly after the incident.
April 2021 — 1 developments
In 2021, detectives stated they believe they are closer than ever to solving the Keddie Murders, acknowledging crucial mistakes made in the initial 1981 investigation.
In 2021, detectives stated they believe they are closer than ever to solving the Keddie Murders, acknowledging crucial mistakes made in the initial 1981 investigation. Additionally, in 2016, investigators found a recording of a man believed to be one of the killers or an accomplice.
April 2018 — 2 developments
New evidence in the 37-year-old Keddie murders case includes DNA from medical tape found at the scene matching a living suspect, discovered in 2018.
New evidence in the 37-year-old Keddie murders case includes DNA from medical tape found at the scene matching a living suspect, discovered in 2018. A hammer believed to be the murder weapon was also found in a nearby pond in 2016, providing renewed hope for solving the quadruple murder.
Plumas County Sheriff's special investigator Mike Gamberg announced that DNA evidence recovered from…
Plumas County Sheriff's special investigator Mike Gamberg announced that DNA evidence recovered from a piece of medical tape at the crime scene matched that of a known living suspect.
November 2016 — 2 developments
A 2016 article highlighted the discovery of a letter from primary suspect Martin Smartt to his wife, containing the statement 'I've paid the price .
A 2016 article highlighted the discovery of a letter from primary suspect Martin Smartt to his wife, containing the statement 'I've paid the price ...', which was not previously reported in the existing events.
The revived investigation into the Keddie murders led to the identification of at least six 'persons of interest' and involved a mysterious phone call to the sheriff's office.
The revived investigation into the Keddie murders led to the identification of at least six 'persons of interest' and involved a mysterious phone call to the sheriff's office.
March 2016 — 1 developments
A hammer, matching the description of one a suspect (Martin Smartt) claimed to have lost, was discovered in a local pond and taken into evidence.
A hammer, matching the description of one a suspect (Martin Smartt) claimed to have lost, was discovered in a local pond and taken into evidence.
June 1984 — 1 developments
Forensic pathologists confirmed the remains found in April belonged to Tina Sharp.
Forensic pathologists confirmed the remains found in April belonged to Tina Sharp.
April 1984 — 1 developments
Three years after the murders, a bottle collector discovered the skull and other remains of Tina Sha…
Three years after the murders, a bottle collector discovered the skull and other remains of Tina Sharp at Camp 18 near Feather Falls in Butte County, approximately 62 miles from Keddie.
April 1981 — 2 developments
The FBI, initially investigating Tina Sharp's disappearance as an abduction, 'backed off' the search…
The FBI, initially investigating Tina Sharp's disappearance as an abduction, 'backed off' the search, stating the California State Department of Justice was handling the investigation adequately.
Sheila Sharp, Sue's 14-year-old daughter, returned home from a sleepover and discovered the bodies of her mother, brother John, and Dana Wingate in the living room of Cabin 28.
Sheila Sharp, Sue's 14-year-old daughter, returned home from a sleepover and discovered the bodies of her mother, brother John, and Dana Wingate in the living room of Cabin 28. Her younger brothers, Rick and Greg, and their friend Justin Smartt were found unharmed in an adjacent bedroom. Tina Sharp was missing.