Public Assistance Requested in 1972 Cold Case Homicide 

February 15, 2026 – Placer County Sheriff's Office officials report that the Cold Case Investigations Team is requesting the public’s assistance in a 1972 cold case homicide in which an unidentified male was burned alive, and whose identity may now be closer to being confirmed.

Following an extensive two-year investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) effort conducted by Ramapo College, investigators have developed a possible identification of the decedent. He is believed to be Grover Benjamin Hughes, born July 21, 1894. Hughes was originally from Des Moines, Iowa, and was known to have spent time in the San Francisco Bay Area prior to the 1960s.

This potential identification was developed with the assistance of the California Department of Justice (Richmond Laboratory) and the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center. Due to the distant nature of the genetic relationships identified and the lack of close living descendants, investigators have been unable to confirm the identity through the DOJ Missing and Unidentified Persons Program at this time.

According to police reports and the coroner’s findings, the man appeared to have been in a hospital or convalescent-care setting prior to his death. He was described as emaciated and bedridden, with a healed fracture to his left arm. Autopsy findings indicate the man was burned alive and was located near Interstate 80 at the Drum Forebay Overcrossing near Baxter, California.

The man was described as a White male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing about 135 pounds, with blue eyes and light-colored hair. He was found wearing a hospital gown and bedding and personal items located with him were consistent with materials commonly used in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or convalescent homes. The man was located close in time to when the Weimar Joint Sanatorium (now known as the Weimar University) closed, however, the team has been unable to locate records of patients from the time the sanatorium closed.

Investigators are seeking assistance from the public regarding:

• Any information about Grover Benjamin Hughes, including photographs
• Knowledge of hospital or medical-facility bedding from Placer County in 1972 that matches the items shown in the attached image
• Information about any patients who may have gone missing from a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or convalescent home around October 3, 1972
• Individuals who may recall Hughes or circumstances consistent with his disappearance or death
• Any information, even if it may seem minor, that could help confirm the decedent’s identity and determine the circumstances surrounding his death

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Placer County Sheriff’s Office at 530-889-7853 or submit tips via email at: PCSOTipline@placer.ca.gov.

This investigation reflects the dedication of the Placer County Cold Case Investigations Team and the Sheriff’s relentless pursuit of justice. The Placer County Cold Case Foundation was established to help fund these investigations and ensure that #HopeNeverGrowsCold. To learn more or find out how you can help, visit: PlacerColdCase.org.

Source & photos: Placer County Sheriff's Office