BODY FOUND IN LAKESIDE RIVERBED IDENTIFIED AS MARSHA “SWEETS” WOODS

By Shiloh Ireland

August 4, 2023 (Lakeside) — A body found in a makeshift encampment near El Capitan in Lakeside has been identified as Marsha Woods, 48, the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office told  East County Magazine.

Her body was found in a riverbed area near Mapleview Street and state Route 67 in Lakeside about 8:30 a.m. on August 3, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

This reporter visited the encampment on August 19,  where a camp resident named Christian (who did not provide his last name) said he was in a relationship with Woods.  He said he found Woods unresponsive, became scared and called the Sheriff’s department.  She was deceased when first responders arrived.

There were no indications of suspicious circumstances related to the death, Lt. Matthew Carpenter said.

Woods’ death occurred during summer heat,  though it is unknown whether that may have contributed to her demise. Christian said Woods did not use drugs, but did drink alcohol.

The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death..

If her family would like to comment, please contact East County Magazine at editor@eastcountymagazine.org.