Remains Found in St. Joe River Identified as Missing Washington Woman

The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office officially announced on July 16, 2026, that remains discovered in the St. Joe River on July 5 have been positively identified as 24-year-old Chantel Williams. Williams, a resident of Deer Park, Washington, had been the subject of a missing person investigation since she was last seen in December 2025.

According to officials, the identification was confirmed by the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office through a comparison of dental records. The sheriff's office stated that the victim's family members were notified of the findings before the public announcement. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to process the evidence surrounding the discovery.