North Fork – At 3:10 am on Thursday, July 23rd, a witness called 911 to report a man lying in the roadway on Road 224 (Bonnie B Road) near Grandma’s Place. Upon arrival the CHP officer discovered a 31-year-old deceased man who was identified as Travis Balthazar of O’Neals.
During the initial investigation the CHP officer discovered evidence that appeared to be intentional and the scene was turned over to the Madera County Sheriff’s office (MCSO) for a suspected homicide.
Later that same morning, a white 1989 Acura sedan was found in Kerckhoff reservoir, partially submerged and was believed to be involved.
MCSO Detectives have arrested Danielle Cook and Christopher Robesky, both from North Fork, in connection with this case. They were booked into the Madera County Department of Corrections at approximately 1:30 am on Friday, July 24th on murder charges, possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition. Bail was set at $1,070,000 for each suspect and they both remain in custody at this time.
MCSO is working closely with the Oakhurst CHP and the Madera County District Attorney’s Office.
We will continue to update as more information is made public.
Danielle Cook, 35 and Christopher Robesky, 49. (Madera County Dept. of Corrections)
