GRASS VALLEY – On April 25, 2025, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) announced that, along with the California Department of Justice, it is investigating a suspicious death that was discovered by deputies just before 11:00 p.m. on April 15, 2025. Deputies had responded to a residence in the 12000 block of Boundary Way in Grass Valley to conduct a welfare check at the request of a family member who had not been able to reach the victim in several days.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they observed suspicious circumstances leading to the discovery of a body that had been buried on the property. The victim was identified as Patrick McCaffree, 63, of Grass Valley.  An autopsy was performed and the cause of death is still pending.

NCSO detectives are working in close partnership with the California Department of Justice and the Nevada County District Attorney’s Office. Assistance has also been provided by the Chico State Anthropology Department.

“The partnership between California DOJ and local law enforcement investigators is vital to investigations, finding answers, leading to suspects, and prosecuting those thought to be responsible for a crime.  It’s not just mystery-solving work that is done at California DOJ labs, it’s public safety and criminal justice at its best.”