Remains recovered from a harbor on the Mendocino County coast this morning match the clothing and jewelry of a missing 15-year-old boy who vanished over two weeks ago after the city’s annual Christmas parade. Officials cannot confirm the remains are Mora’s until DNA analysis is complete, which could take several weeks.
Captain Quincy Cromer of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office confirmed with SFGATE that on Dec. 23, 2024, at 8:28 a.m., Fort Bragg Police reported a human body found on the south side of the jetty in Noyo Harbor. Sheriff’s personnel responded promptly and are now leading the coroner’s investigation.
A press release issued by the Fort Bragg Police Department states, “Roy’s mother identified jewelry found on the remains as the same as what Roy was wearing the night of his disappearance.”
Investigators will continue pursuing leads on Roy Mora until DNA confirms the identity of the remains. So far, evidence shows no signs of foul play.
The Fort Bragg Police Department received a request to locate Mora on Dec. 7 after he failed to return home following the parade. On Dec. 8, Mora’s mother reported him missing, stating he had not contacted friends or family.
The FBDP followed several leads issuing search warrants, searching areas, reviewing surveillance footage, and processing numerous tips. They even checked locations suggested by psychics and re-interviewed witnesses as new clues emerged.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage showing Mora walking south on the east side of the Noyo Bridge at 7:49 p.m. on Dec. 7. Cameras at the south end of the bridge did not capture him leaving or show any vehicles stopping. Mora’s phone was turned off at 6:55 p.m. that evening and briefly powered on at 2 a.m. the following morning before going silent again.
On Dec. 17, a phone matching Mora’s was turned into a local business. The person who found it said he discovered it on the Noyo Bridge sidewalk late on Dec. 7. He kept it until seeing Mora’s missing person flyer, which led him to turn it over to police. The individual fully cooperated with authorities, consenting to searches and providing location data from his own phone.
The search expanded to New York and Idaho, where Mora’s former acquaintances lived. Social media warrants provided leads but didn’t reveal his location. Investigators discovered that Mora’s friends, not Mora, had accessed his accounts after he went missing, further complicating the case and shifting its focus.
Chief Neil Cervenka is quoted in the press release saying, “The entire police department is devastated and is grieving with our community. Our entire staff has been working continuously to find Roy, and through that, have come to know him. Our thoughts are with Roy’s family and friends.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact FBPD Dispatch with the Fort Bragg Police Department at (707)964-0200.
A horrible tragedy and loss of a young life. Too many suicides off this bridge. Time for public officials to show the community that they can install a safe handrail and netting barriers. A suicide earlier this year occurred in full view of those dining at harbor restaurants. We can spend money on attracting tourists yet what about suicide barriers. In addition we need a full service non-judgemental welcoming youth center open after school hours. Every life and every kid is precious!
Yes they need to think about the kids that live there
Yes they need to think about the kids that live there