NORTH FORK — The Madera County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the death of Bonnie Hale, 76, of North Fork. Another woman, Mary O’Keefe, is currently behind bars on allegations of murder.
According to MCSO Commander Bill Ward, the victim’s son contacted the Sheriff’s Office on Saturday morning, Dec. 17, before 10 a.m. The son, Bobby Hale, Jr., reportedly found his mother deceased on the patio of her home located on Road 225. Her cause of death is pending an autopsy.
Currently incarcerated and charged with murder is Mary O’Keefe, whose bail is set at $1,000,000.
Bonnie Hale is a well known and loved community member formerly of the North Fork Rancheria Tribal Council, and the mother of six children, according to Madera County District 5 Supervisor Tom Wheeler.
“She was a great lady who always had a smile on her face and no apparent enemies,” says Wheeler. “She belonged to many different organizations and ran a pellet business. We are all going to miss her.”
The murder is under investigation and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
Sheriff’s Detectives Investigate Possible North Fork Homicide