Case Update: Human Remains Recovered Off Agua Fria Road 

October 29, 2026 – Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office officials report they are continuing to investigate the human remains discovered on July 26, 2026, in an area off Agua Fria Road.

Since the initial discovery, our investigators have been working closely with the California Department of Justice’s Missing and Unidentified Persons Unit to identify the individual.

DNA samples from the remains were compared against DNA records associated with our local missing persons cases, as well as DNA profiles on file throughout California. Unfortunately, no matches were identified.

Related: Mariposa County Sheriff Announces Human Remains Recovered Near Agua Fria Road

DNA analysis confirmed that the remains belong to a male. While this provides an important piece of information, the individual's identity remains unknown.

Although the initial DNA comparisons did not result in a positive identification, the investigation remains active. Additional forensic testing and investigative follow-up are planned as we continue working to establish the identity of the individual.

If you have any information that you believe may assist in identifying this individual or could be relevant to this investigation, please contact Detective Caleb Collins at (209) 966-3615.

Source: Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office