Itasca County authorities are investigating the death of a 37-year-old woman found Thursday evening along County Road 39 near Deer River as suspicious, officials said.
The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office identified the woman as Rikki Skog. Deputies responding to the location shortly before 7 p.m. pronounced her dead at the scene, according to the sheriff’s office.
Agencies assisting the investigation
The sheriff’s office requested assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) because of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Local and regional partners that also assisted at the scene include:
- Deer River Police Department
- Leech Lake Tribal Police
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Rikki Skog, 37 |
| Location found | County Road 39, near Deer River |
| Time discovered | Shortly before 7 p.m., Thursday |
| Agencies assisting | BCA, Deer River PD, Leech Lake Tribal Police, MN DNR |
What investigators are seeking
Investigators have not released additional details about the cause of death or any suspects. The sheriff’s office asked anyone who may have seen Skog on or after Wednesday, or who has other information that could help the inquiry, to contact the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office at 218-326-3477 and select option 1.
The involvement of the BCA indicates authorities consider the circumstances to warrant statewide investigative resources. As the probe continues, the presence of multiple agencies underscores the coordination between county, municipal, tribal and state responders when a death is deemed suspicious in rural northern Minnesota.
Local residents and travelers along County Road 39 may see an increased law enforcement presence as the investigation proceeds. Officials have not provided a timeline for releasing further information.
Anyone with tips was again urged to call the sheriff’s office at the number provided.
