HUMBOLDT COUNTY – On November 14, 2024, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) notified the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) that it had linked a bone discovered in the Redway area of Humbolt County back in July to a person missing since 2017.

When the bone was discovered in July 2024, HCSO conducted a search of the surrounding area utilizing specialized K-9s but found no other remains. The discovered bone was sent to the DOJ to be identified. DOJ confirmed the bone was the left tibia of Mark Burleigh, 39, who was reported missing in 2017.

“California DOJ criminalists are instrumental in missing persons cases, helping to identify remains through DNA.  They are key contributors to solving cases and providing leads to investigators,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.

This case is still under investigation.