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

[imstilla.grandma]

The remote community of Island Mountain which is approximately two and a half hours from Garberville, should expect a helicopter and searchers today as Scott Graves, a 63-year-old resident and father of three, has gone missing under odd circumstances. His family, local Volunteer Fire Departments, and the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Department will be searching by ground while a helicopter crew and possibly a drone will search his property off Island Mountain Road via the air.
Scott Graves’ daughter, Maygan Graves, told us that the last contact they had with her father was on Monday, December 4. Their concern deepened when her brother, on the afternoon of Thursday, December 7, traveled to Scott’s property to check on him. What he found was both puzzling and worrisome.

Scott’s truck, parked near his cabin, was locked, with its windows down. Inside the vehicle was one of his dogs However, Scott Graves himself was nowhere to be found. “His wallet was inside the truck but his ID, hat and some other belongings were inside his cabin,” Maygan told us. “He was no where to be found, along with his phone and key to his truck.”

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

 

[PommyMommy]

DEC 9, 2023

https://mendovoice.com/2023/12/mcso-conducting-search-for-missing-man-in-island-mountain-area/

[...]

Here’s the announcement from MCSO with the most recent update:

[...]

On 12-07-2023 at 6:18 PM, Deputies from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office received a missing person report regarding 63-year-old Scott Graves (see photos).

Scott was last heard from by family members on Monday, 12-04-2023, at about 9:30 AM. Scott informed family he had tried to leave his property in the 73000 block of Island Mountain Road in Piercy (California), but it was too wet and the roads were unsafe for travel. Scott informed family he would instead attempt to leave on Tuesday, 12-05-2023.

When family members had not heard from Scott by Thursday, 12-07-2023, they became worried. Family members then traveled to Scott’s property, but they were not able to locate his whereabouts. It did not appear Scott had left the property as the majority of his personal belongings and vehicle were at the property.

On 12-07-2023 at about 11:00 PM, Deputies arrived in the 73000 block of Island Mountain Road in Piercy. Deputies and family continued searching for Scott until 3:00 AM but were unsuccessful in located him.

The Sheriff’s Office deployed local Mendocino County Search & Rescue resources for a further search during the morning of Friday, 12-08-2023.

Search & Rescue was unable to locate Scott and were deployed again on Saturday, 12-09-2023, and are still actively searching at this time.

Mendocino County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue resources are currently in the planning stages for additional searches for Sunday, 12-10-2023, and Monday, 12-11-2023 with the use of Search and Rescue mutual aid resources.

[...]

 

[Quiet Time]

I'm not familiar w/the area. I wonder if he's fallen or slipped in all the wetness that must be around his place.
I admire their diligence in looking for him.

 

[Herat]

If the truck windows were down, then the dog could get in and out by itself.

I wonder why it was not out looking for him, or acting as if he was missing.

 

[seasideForest]

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

RSBM.
Worrying.
One positive aspect - it seems from the comments on the attached article that a few people in the area very local to Mr. Graves know him or know of him and are aware that he is missing. I hope he's found soon.

MOO

 

[imstilla.grandma]

The MCSO search and rescue operation has been ongoing daily in the vicinity since Dec, 7, and plans are currently underway to continue the search on Sunday, Dec. 10 and Monday Dec. 11 if needed, according to an announcement this evening by the agency.

Graves is described as 5 feet 11 inches and 180 lbs. He reportedly told family members that he had trouble leaving the property on Dec. 4 due to road conditions from winter weather, but had planned to try again to leave on Dec. 5. When he had not been heard from by Dec, 7, family members traveled to the property and could not find Graves, although his vehicle and most of his personal belongings remained there, according to MCSO. The Sheriff’s Office has been searching the area since Thursday morning, and plan to bring in additional resources for the upcoming search.

https://mendovoice.com/2023/12/mcso-conducting-search-for-missing-man-in-island-mountain-area/

 

[PommyMommy]

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

 

[Herat]

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

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.

 

[bombardier]

If the truck windows were down, then the dog could get in and out by itself.

I wonder why it was not out looking for him, or acting as if he was missing.

depends on breed/health/age of dog! my dog has the scrawniest, shortest legs and couldn't get out of an open car window if his life depended on it

 

[Herat]

depends on breed/health/age of dog! my dog has the scrawniest, shortest legs and couldn't get out of an open car window if his life depended on it

For some reason, I was thinking he had a larger dog, sort of a hunting dog size.

 

[ifindedout]

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.

Would not be surprised if it was a grow region, as it is squarely in the Emerald Triangle.
The tracks have been unused, and indeed unusable, for over 30 years, and (MOO) it is unlikely they will ever be restored to service, as the line from Willits to Eureka is too vulnerable to washouts, landslides, earthquakes and tunnel fires, and had steep grades and sharp curves to contend with while in operation as well. Some history of the line:

Northwestern Pacific Railroad - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Eureka Southern Railroad - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[tarabull]

Would not be surprised if it was a grow region, as it is squarely in the Emerald Triangle.
The tracks have been unused, and indeed unusable, for over 30 years, and (MOO) it is unlikely they will ever be restored to service, as the line from Willits to Eureka is too vulnerable to washouts, landslides, earthquakes and tunnel fires, and had steep grades and sharp curves to contend with while in operation as well. Some history of the line:

I am smelling what you are stepping in IFO

 

[Lilibet]

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 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.

 

[tarabull]

Ding ding ding!

ETA: eeeeeeek!

 

[Lilibet]

This detail is interesting…

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

Adding to the mystery, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Department’s Detective Logan told KMUD News, that while one dog was loose on the property, one dog had been locked in a vehicle and it “didn’t seem like the dog had ever defecated or urinated inside the truck.”
————-
JMO I doubt the dog was jumping in and out of the open window to relieve itself. So it must have held it from the time it was put in the truck to when Scott’s son arrived on Thursday. One day maybe. But two or three I doubt.

IMO From personal experience, no resident in such a rainy area leaves their vehicle windows open for any length of time, unless they are coming right back.

Also, quoting the article:

“His wallet was inside the truck but his ID, hat and some other belongings were inside his cabin,” Maygan told us. “He was no where to be found, along with his phone and key to his truck.”
his blankets were missing.
————
JMO So Scott (or someone) had his phone, which was said to have pinged on Tuesday, and his truck key. Did Scott get in his truck with his wallet, phone, key and dog, but realize his ID, hat and other things were still in the house? Was he accosted when he went back to get them (heater kicked over)?

And what’s with the missing blankets? When we lived in Humboldt County our home on ten acres was burglarized. One of the missing items was our bedspread. It turned out that our neighbors had used it to carry stuff they took back to their place. What did Scott‘s blankets carry? Surely, he didn’t use them to camp out.

I‘m sure LE is paying attention to extra tire tracks or even foot prints on his road and by his house.
JMO

 

[Herat]

So he was clearly in the thick of things in 2008 when he was arrested, with someone losing the $53K that was found in his house.

That was 15 years ago and times have changed in the marijuana industry, but it must be known that he was associated with a substantial amount of cash.

 

[Herat]

This detail is interesting…

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

Adding to the mystery, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Department’s Detective Logan told KMUD News, that while one dog was loose on the property, one dog had been locked in a vehicle and it “didn’t seem like the dog had ever defecated or urinated inside the truck.”
————-
JMO I doubt the dog was jumping in and out of the open window to relieve itself. So it must have held it from the time it was put in the truck to when Scott’s son arrived on Thursday. One day maybe. But two or three I doubt.

IMO From personal experience, no resident in such a rainy area leaves their vehicle windows open for any length of time, unless they are coming right back.

Also, quoting the article:

“His wallet was inside the truck but his ID, hat and some other belongings were inside his cabin,” Maygan told us. “He was no where to be found, along with his phone and key to his truck.”
his blankets were missing.
————
JMO So Scott (or someone) had his phone, which was said to have pinged on Tuesday, and his truck key. Did Scott get in his truck with his wallet, phone, key and dog, but realize his ID, hat and other things were still in the house? Was he accosted when he went back to get them (heater kicked over)?

And what’s with the missing blankets? When we lived in Humboldt County our home on ten acres was burglarized. One of the missing items was our bedspread. It turned out that our neighbors had used it to carry stuff they took back to their place. What did Scott‘s blankets carry? Surely, he didn’t use them to camp out.

I‘m sure LE is paying attention to extra tire tracks or even foot prints on his road and by his house.
JMO

My first thought was blankets used to move a body.

 

[charminglane]

My first thought was blankets used to move a body.

Exactly.

 

[Lilibet]

My first thought was blankets used to move a body.

Yup. That was the conclusion I reached too.

 

[Lilibet]

So he was clearly in the thick of things in 2008 when he was arrested, with someone losing the $53K that was found in his house.

That was 15 years ago and times have changed in the marijuana industry, but it must be known that he was associated with a substantial amount of cash.

Yes, times have changed since legalization. You may realize this but many people don’t…even though recreational marijuana use is legal in CA, to grow it legally you need to jump through expensive hoops to get a permit and adhere to environmental regulations.

Many don’t bother, so there are still numerous illegal grows in that area (damming and polluting creeks with pesticides). And lots of money to be made, although not as much as in the old days. But the illegal growers and those they deal with are not exactly law-abiding. Murder is an occupational hazard.

Netflix: Murder Mountain

Netflix’s ‘Murder Mountain’: Where Marijuana Can Kill Netflix has an entire series about Humboldt County, CA, and the drug trade, "trimimmigrants", people who work in the drug industry. Definitely worth watching.

www.websleuths.com

Missing, never found, presumed dead:

CA - CA - Jeff Joseph, 45, Hoopa, 21 June 2014

Family of a missing Louisiana man believe he was on his way to Arcata when he disappeared. Family members have repeatedly tried to contact the missing man with no response. The man, Jeff Joseph has missed airplane flights, meetings and personal appointments that were believed to be important to...

www.websleuths.com

JMO