The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the discovery of human remains in an unincorporated area near Viejo Road, Monterey County, California.
According to officials, on December 29, 2025, sheriff’s deputies responded to a report from a land surveyor who found what appeared to be a human skull. Deputies confirmed the discovery and secured the scene before transferring responsibility to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division.
Additional human remains were subsequently located and collected over several days as authorities processed the area. A forensic examination will be conducted to help identify the individual. This process will include DNA analysis and comparison with missing and unidentified persons records maintained by the California Department of Justice.
“This is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time,” stated the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
For more information or media inquiries, contact Commander Andres Rosas at 831-261-5492 or rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov.
