Found Deceased CA - Scott Graves, 63, last contact w/ daughter, 4 Dec son traveled to dad’s property, locked truck found w/dog inside, Island Mountain, 7 Dec 2023

[Lilibet]

https://kymkemp.com/2023/12/09/family-and-search-and-rescuers-look-for-man-missing-for-days-in-island-mountain-area/

Hmmmmmm…an astute commenter on the original article wonders if someone else used Scott’s phone to text his son on Monday that the roads were too muddy for them to meet. That messes up my thought that the dog in the truck couldn’t hold it that long (until Thursday). But possibly someone put the pup in the truck later. If only the dogs could talk.

Another detail from the original article:
“In addition, Scott’s side-by-side vehicle filled with gas was found at the cabin.”

A side-by-side is an off-road vehicle that I wouldn’t think would find a muddy road to be a problem. So why didn’t Scott use it to meet his son on Monday?

Differences between ATV vs SXS/UTV - Can-Am Off-Road

Choosing the right off-road vehicle can be a difficult decision. This is why we want to help you make an informed decision about buying an ATV or SXS/UTV

can-am.brp.com

A side-by-side vehicle (SxS) is an off-road vehicle recognized by its 4-to-6 wheel design, its unique side-by-side bucket seat set-up (hence its name), and its steering-wheel and foot-pedal driving system. It often comes with similar features to a car like a roll bar or cage, and wind protection that creates an enclosed look. Designed with a sturdy protective exterior, these vehicles are a top choice for recreational adventuring outdoors; however, they have proven to be equally dependable when on the job. That’s why they’re also referred to as UTVs (utility task vehicles), which are technically designed for accomplishing work tasks. Today, farmers, ranchers and hunters make the most of a side-by-side’s ability to haul big loads and carry impressive amounts of cargo from one destination to the next

 

[nhmemorymaker]

Per Google Maps, 73000 Island Mountain Road is east of Piercy, in Laytonville CA.

73000 Island Mountain Rd · 73000 Island Mountain Rd, Laytonville, CA 95454

Some things in this map view are hard to figure out....
Hope someone local chimes in here.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

On the Google map, in the general vicinity of 73000 are multiple, separate, farm-type complexes with several large greenhouses and a solar array.

Could this be a marijuana grow region? It's rather isolated for other crops, and no exterior fields of planted crops, or tree farms are apparent. It also appears that entire area is behind a locked gate farther to the west. Farther north of 73000 are also multiple greenhouses, some that appear active and some that appear to lack canopies and appear not to be in use. There are also what look like some groups of raised beds of something. Not like large fields as you would expect with corn or field crops.

Some other farms in the general area show fenced pastures, small silos, maybe chicken pens, beehives, and look more like livestock ranching.

Just beside Island Mountain Road, just east between the road and Eel River is what looks like an old partially abandoned set of railroad tracks. They lead north to a railroad bridge over the river where the tracks end in the dirt on the north/ west side. As if a landslide took the tracks out at this point. Strange to find them in what appears to be such a remote place.

I found this map view to be full of questions too.
North of the 73000 marker, there is also a bunch of cars that appear relatively close to what I had assumes to be a former greenhouse. Why are they there? Is there a home/strucutre under the tree cover?

 

[nhmemorymaker]

https://kymkemp.com/2023/12/09/family-and-search-and-rescuers-look-for-man-missing-for-days-in-island-mountain-area/

Hmmmmmm…an astute commenter on the original article wonders if someone else used Scott’s phone to text his son on Monday that the roads were too muddy for them to meet. That messes up my thought that the dog in the truck couldn’t hold it that long (until Thursday). But possibly someone put the pup in the truck later. If only the dogs could talk.

Another detail from the original article:
“In addition, Scott’s side-by-side vehicle filled with gas was found at the cabin.”

A side-by-side is an off-road vehicle that I wouldn’t think would find a muddy road to be a problem. So why didn’t Scott use it to meet his son on Monday?

Differences between ATV vs SXS/UTV - Can-Am Off-Road

Choosing the right off-road vehicle can be a difficult decision. This is why we want to help you make an informed decision about buying an ATV or SXS/UTV

can-am.brp.com

A side-by-side vehicle (SxS) is an off-road vehicle recognized by its 4-to-6 wheel design, its unique side-by-side bucket seat set-up (hence its name), and its steering-wheel and foot-pedal driving system. It often comes with similar features to a car like a roll bar or cage, and wind protection that creates an enclosed look. Designed with a sturdy protective exterior, these vehicles are a top choice for recreational adventuring outdoors; however, they have proven to be equally dependable when on the job. That’s why they’re also referred to as UTVs (utility task vehicles), which are technically designed for accomplishing work tasks. Today, farmers, ranchers and hunters make the most of a side-by-side’s ability to haul big loads and carry impressive amounts of cargo from one destination to the next

That side by side (thanks for the attachment for clarification !!) should be able to go anywhere.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

I used to live in Humboldt county which adjoins Mendocino County. Island Mountain is in an area which is part of the Emerald Triangle along with Humboldt and Trinity counties. This is a major and well-known marijuana-growing area. I will not be surprised if it turns out to be a factor in Mr Graves’ disappearance, as it has been in so many other cases in the area. In fact, Mr Graves was arrested in a huge raid in 2008. Here’s hoping my fear is unfounded and he is found unharmed.

Follow-up: 6,772 plants and 800 lbs. marijuana seized

More than 6,000 marijuana plants growing in multiple greenhouses were seized from several pieces of property in northern Mendocino County Wednesday, following a lengthy investigation into a commerc…

www.ukiahdailyjournal.com

More than 6,000 marijuana plants growing in multiple greenhouses were seized from several pieces of property in northern Mendocino County Wednesday, following a lengthy investigation into a commercial marijuana grow.

<snip>

Arrested were Scott Graves, 48, of Trinidad, David Linhart, 50, of Hawaii, Jonathan Linhart, 46, and Travis Ferry, 27, of Island Mountain, Christopher Bickell, 21, of Colorado, Jose Orozso, 19, Jose Barrera, 19, and Oscar Guillermo, 38, of Oregon, Herman Orozco, 22, Pedro Orozco Munoz, 28, Jesus Carillo, 27, and Pedro Antonio Orozco, 54, all of Mexico.

All of the suspects were arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana and cultivation of marijuana. Four of the suspects were also arrested on suspicion of immigration violations.

Simultaneously, officers also served a search warrant on Graves” home in Trinidad, where they found $53,000 in cash. An additional $55,000 in cash was seized on Island Mountain.
BBM
JMO

ETA—Trinidad refers to a small town on the north coast of Humboldt county.

@Lilibet .... This all helps so much.... your "localness' just helps so much....

Trinidad , 4 hours from Island Mountain Rd.

That is quite a wide-spread group--multiple states, and countries.

My guess is that locals know 'exactly' what has happened.....

 

[Inthedetails]

@Lilibet .... This all helps so much.... your "localness' just helps so much....

Trinidad , 4 hours from Island Mountain Rd.

That is quite a wide-spread group--multiple states, and countries.

My guess is that locals know 'exactly' what has happened.....

Local info is valuable! My mind was going in one direction, but after reading local info, my thoughts changed course.

jmo

 

[nhmemorymaker]

Local info is valuable! My mind was going in one direction, but after reading local info, my thoughts changed course.

jmo

Read all of Lilibit's attachments---Immersion lesson into Humboldt County !!

 

[charminglane]

Read all of Lilibit's attachments---Immersion lesson into Humboldt County !!

I don't like to make assumptions, however when I see Humboldt in a thread, I automatically do.

 

[Caring1]

December 11, 2023

Body found. Identity not yet confirmed.

Authorities are working to identify a body found Sunday by a search party looking for a missing Mendocino County man.

The body was found around a property in the 73000 block of Island Mountain Road in Piercy, Capt. Greg Van Patten said in a news release.

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/body-found-during-search-for-missing-mendocino-county-man/

 

[Lilibet]

December 11, 2023

Body found. Identity not yet confirmed.

Authorities are working to identify a body found Sunday by a search party looking for a missing Mendocino County man.

The body was found around a property in the 73000 block of Island Mountain Road in Piercy, Capt. Greg Van Patten said in a news release.

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/body-found-during-search-for-missing-mendocino-county-man/

I truly hope our instincts are wrong and that, if this is Scott, his death was accidental.

As always, it’s good to keep an eye on the comments.

https://kymkemp.com/2023/12/11/body-found-during-search-for-missing-island-mountain-man-investigation-underway/

 

[Lilibet]

Some things in this map view are hard to figure out....
Hope someone local chimes in here.

I agree. I have the impression that Scott’s property is not right along Island Mountain Rd. “Driveways” go off the main roads in the area and can go to multiple properties, forking repeatedly, for miles.

I found this map view to be full of questions too.
North of the 73000 marker, there is also a bunch of cars that appear relatively close to what I had assumes to be a former greenhouse. Why are they there? Is there a home/strucutre under the tree cover?

I assume the vehicles belong to workers, known as “trimmigrants” who are seasonal workers from all over the country who are hired to ”trim” the harvested plants to make the marijuana is ready to sell. In nearby towns, during the harvest you will see young men and women with signs saying they are available to work on the farms. Not all have cars, but some do.

How to Find Weed Trimming Jobs for the Fall

No matter the season, our cannabis job guide can show you how to find weed trimming jobs throughout the year.

cannabistraininguniversity.com

@Lilibet .... This all helps so much.... your "localness' just helps so much....

Trinidad , 4 hours from Island Mountain Rd.

That is quite a wide-spread group--multiple states, and countries.

My guess is that locals know 'exactly' what has happened.....

I’m glad I’ve been able to help. Even though we moved away almost 40 years ago after living there for 15 years, the area is dear to my heart and I try to keep up with local news.

Yes, the Emerald Triangle is vast. The roads in the boonies go on and on. It is possible to drive from where Scott lived off Island Mountain Rd to where we lived off Dyerville Loop Rd near Myers Flat, quite far north, without ever driving on Highway 101. It is impossibly gorgeous country.

I agree that if Scott was murdered locals do know exactly what happened. A comment in the latest article on Redheaded Blackbelt even puts forth a theory.

Local info is valuable! My mind was going in one direction, but after reading local info, my thoughts changed course.

jmo

I don't like to make assumptions, however when I see Humboldt in a thread, I automatically do.

Me too. It’s hard not to make assumptions. I always hope I’m wrong. I can’t emphasize enough how dangerous growing marijuana is. Unfortunately, it seems to bring out the worst in people, even ones you put trust in. It was even dangerous for non-growers like us, which was a big reason we left.

All JMO

 

[nhmemorymaker]

This is rather strange, I believe. "attempt to determine identity".... I can't imagine that, if it is Scott Graves, it would not take this long to identify.'
This is from yesterday.... I 've seen nothing as of today.

The MCSO reports that “detectives were summoned to the location and are actively conducting investigations in an attempt to determine the identity of the person, along with the cause and manner of death.”

MCSO: Body found during search for missing Piercy man

An unidentified body was found recently during an extensive search for a man missing from the northern edge of Mendocino County, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office reported.

www.times-standard.com

But the silence says that it IS him............ moo, imo.

 

[Lilibet]

The body has been officially identified as Scott Graves. :-(

https://kymkemp.com/2023/12/19/mendocino-county-sheriffs-department-confirms-identity-of-body-found-in-search-for-missing-man-through-dental-comparisons/

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.

 

[Limecat]

My condolences to Mr. Graves’ family and loved ones. If his death was due to foul play, may justice be swift and harsh.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

My condolences to Mr. Graves’ family and loved ones. If his death was due to foul play, may justice be swift and harsh.

Again I say, there was too much silence. And clearly, it was him. I am sensing we will not hear very much or enough to really know what has happened...

I do hope there are locals that can keep us abreast.

 

[Lilibet]

Again I say, there was too much silence. And clearly, it was him. I am sensing we will not hear very much or enough to really know what has happened...

I do hope there are locals that can keep us abreast.

I think we’ll hear cause of death eventually, unless it was suicide, which I doubt it was. I also don’t think he had some kind of accident in the woods after leaving his dog in the car, appearing to be ready to leave.

The best sources of news in this area are Redheaded Black Belt (Kym Kemp) and Lost Coast Outpost (LOCO)…and their comments section.

https://kymkemp.com/ Kym is a really tenacious reporter.

Body Found During Search Confirmed to be That of Missing Piercy Man, Mendo Sheriff's Office Says

lostcoastoutpost.com

JMO

 

[nhmemorymaker]

I think we’ll hear cause of death eventually, unless it was suicide, which I doubt it was. I also don’t think he had some kind of accident in the woods after leaving his dog in the car, appearing to be ready to leave.

The best sources of news in this area are Redheaded Black Belt (Kym Kemp) and Lost Coast Outpost (LOCO)…and their comments section.

https://kymkemp.com/ Kym is a really tenacious reporter.

Body Found During Search Confirmed to be That of Missing Piercy Man, Mendo Sheriff's Office Says

lostcoastoutpost.com

JMO

Yes, following Redhead! I do wonder if he did come upon wild animals?? moo. moo. I do find it hard to understand why they had so much trouble with identification.