The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office announced significant progress in a decade-old homicide investigation after the identification of human remains discovered in 2012. Forensic advancements helped confirm the remains as those of Warren David Hawkins, who was last seen in Washington in 1986.
According to a press release from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, the case began on Oct. 30, 2012, when human remains were reported in a shallow grave near Piercy. Investigators responded to the 83000 block of Highway 271, where they received a bag containing human foot bones and photographs from the reporting party. Detectives traveled by kayak to the site, where skeletal remains—missing the head—were found buried.
Forensic anthropologists from California State University, Chico, excavated the remains, which included clothing items consistent with 1980s styles. Despite efforts at the time, the identity of the individual remained a mystery, and the case was classified as a “John Doe” homicide.
The investigation gained momentum in spring 2024 when forensic evidence was sent to Othram, a Texas-based lab specializing in advanced DNA analysis. Using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®, Othram developed a detailed DNA profile and conducted genetic genealogy research, providing investigators with leads pointing to Hawkins.
Hawkins had been reported missing by his sister, Paula Hawkins, to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office in Washington. DNA samples provided by Paula to both Cowlitz County authorities and Oregon’s Gresham Police Department confirmed the match.
The last known sighting of Hawkins was in July 1986, when his late mother dropped him and an unidentified man at a bus station. He was 21 years old at the time.
“This identification brings a measure of closure to the family and marks a significant step forward in the investigation,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. The remains will now be returned to Hawkins’ family.
The case remains an active homicide investigation. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086.
The Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the assistance of Othram Technology, California State University Chico’s Anthropology Department, NamUs, and law enforcement agencies in Washington and Oregon for their contributions to the case.
This is a very interesting story. It’s amazing they ever found the remains. Only 21 years old with his whole life ahead of him. People were more trusting in those days and this young man was not prepared for whatever evil he encountered. I wonder what happened to the unidentified man who was with him at the bus station.