by A remote property in the Island Mountain area near Piercy, along Bell Springs Road in northern Mendocino County, is now at the center of a homicide investigation after human remains were found earlier this week, officials confirmed.
The case began when a Texas resident who owns the 100-acre property drove two days to Ukiah to report concerns about a worker living on the land. The owner told deputies she had heard from others that the man might have been hurt or even killed.
She hadn’t been able to reach the worker since May 5, 2025, deputies said.
On May 15 around 12:50 p.m., deputies accompanied the owner to the remote property. Getting there was challenging, requiring them to pass through several locked gates and navigate rough terrain.
During their search, deputies noticed signs of marijuana cultivation on the property.
Later that evening, law enforcement discovered human remains hidden among debris and foliage on a hillside near the residence. Due to the condition of the scene, officers secured it overnight.
The next morning, more personnel from the Mendocino and Humboldt County Sheriff’s Offices, along with Search and Rescue teams, returned to help with recovery efforts.
The remains are believed to be those of an adult male who fits the description of the missing worker, but identification is still pending because of the advanced state of decomposition.
Authorities have classified the case as a homicide and continue their investigation. A post-mortem exam will be conducted to confirm the identity and determine the cause of death.
