December 9, 2022 - On August 28^th, 2021, at about 4:00 P.M. in the afternoon detectives responded to the area of Golden Dove Lane in the Washington Fire burn scar after a report of human remains found in the area. Investigation determined the remains appeared to have been there before the Washington fire occurred. Detectives contacted the Chico State University Anthropology Division for assistance in processing the scene, and identifying the human remains. Chico State University Anthropologists collected the remains to attempt identification.

In July of 2022 Chico State University reported they were unable to make an identification of the remains due to thermal damage from the fire. The remains were taken to the Department of Justice Lab for additional DNA analysis. In November 2022 the Department of Justice utilized DNA analysis to determine the decedent as Robert Frank Baiko of Sonora. Next of kin has been notified.

We are seeking the public’s help and asking anyone with information pertaining to Robert’s death to contact our Investigations Division at 209-533-5815.