The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Coroner’s Division has identified a body found during the search for Scott Graves, a 63-year-old resident of Island Mountain, who went missing earlier this month as that of the missing man. The identification was made possible through dental comparisons conducted by a Forensic Odontologist. Graves had disappeared under unusual circumstances, sparking an extensive search operation involving multiple agencies and volunteers.
Background of the Disappearance
Graves, last heard from on December 4, 2023, had informed his family of unsafe road conditions on his property, located off Island Mountain Road in Piercy, California. Concerns escalated when he failed to make subsequent contact. A family member who visited his property on December 7 found Graves’ truck locked with a dog inside, as was his wallet, but Graves himself was nowhere to be seen.
Search and rescue teams were later deployed, combing through the rugged terrain of Island Mountain. Despite the exhaustive efforts, including the use of helicopters and possibly drones, there was no initial sign of Graves.
According to today’s press release,
The Coroner’s Division and Sheriff’s Detectives are continuing investigations in an attempt to determine the manner, cause and circumstances of Graves death.
Anyone who might have information that could assist Sheriff’s Detectives in this investigation are urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip-Line by calling 707-234-2100 or the WeTip Anonymous Crime Reporting Hotline by calling 800-782-7463.
Scott’s wife, Stacy Graves, asked us to “Please put a thank you out to all the search and rescue people from the Graves family. Thanks for your help.”
We echo her thanks to all the folks who are so ready to get out and do the long hours of looking. They are the heroes that make the world a better place.
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