“We respect the work conducted by California DOJ criminalists as they assist law enforcement with identifications and possible answers to these cases.  These forensic scientists are key to helping solve unanswered questions and we thank them for their service.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

MONTEREY COUNTY – On February 4, 2026, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Coroner Office announced it is investigating human remains found on January 29, 2026 and December 29, 2025 in rural areas of Monterey County.

On January 29, 2026, at about 6:45 p.m., sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a rural area of Cachagua Road in Carmel Valley after people walking in the area found what appeared to be a human skull and other remains. Deputies responded and confirmed the discovery. The scene was secured and turned over to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division.

Over the course of several days, the scene was processed, and additional human remains were located and collected. A forensic examination will be conducted to assist in identifying the remains. This process will include DNA analysis and comparison with missing and unidentified persons records through the California Department of Justice.

The discovery of these human remains follows other human remains that were discovered on December 29,2025 in the area of Viejo Road. During that incident, a land surveyor reported finding a human skull. Additional remains were located and collected by the Monterey County Coroner’s Office. Identification of those remains are still pending DNA analysis.

These are ongoing investigations, and according to MCSO, no further details are available at this time.