On Monday October 26, 2020, at approximately 4:24 P.M., a residential house fire was reported to 9-1-1 erupting in the 40 block of Dutch Valley Lane in San Anselmo.  Firefighters and First Responders were immediately dispatched to the scene and upon their arrival found a single family residential structure fully engulfed in flames.  Firefighters immediately performed fire suppression duties in addition to conducting a search of the residence interior and located an unconscious, unresponsive subject, who appeared to succumb to the active fire.  Regrettably, the female subject sustained extensive thermal conflagration injuries and her death was declared at the scene within the residential structure.  Due to safety concerns related to the unstable structure condition, the subject was recovered the following morning.  Due to the subject’s physical condition she was unrecognizable and unable to be positively identified by conventional means.  During the course of the forensic examination process, and ensuing follow-up investigation completed by the Coroner Division staff, the subject was able to be scientifically positively identified utilizing alternate means.

The decedent has been positively identified as:

Ms. Jean Mariner KINNEY, a 96- year-old female from San Anselmo, CA

On October 30, 2020, a forensic post mortem examination including toxicology testing was completed.   The cause and manner of death will be pending the conclusion of the investigations being completed by the Ross Valley Fire Department; Marin County Fire Investigation Team; Marin County Sheriff’s Office; and the Marin County Sheriff’s Office - Coroner Division.  No further information will be released by the Coroner Division at this time, as this is an active and ongoing investigation.  Any further questions regarding the incident should be directed to the Ross Valley Fire Department or Marin County Sheriff’s Office.

The Marin County Sheriff’s Office and personnel of the Coroner Division offers our condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Kinney.

CONTACT

Roger G. Fielding

Chief Deputy Coroner

415-473-6043