Victim Warren David Hawkins. Credit: NamUs
On Oct. 30, 2012, Mendocino County Sheriff's Office Dispatch advised then Sergeant Kendall that human remains had been discovered, buried in a shallow grave in the Piercy, Calif. area.
Detectives with the Mendocino County Sheriff's Investigations Bureau responded and were provided with a plastic bag containing human foot bones. Photographs taken by the reporting party were also provided to investigators at this time.
Sheriff’s detectives utilized kayaks and paddled approximately 1/4 mile to the location, where the remains had been discovered.
Forensic anthropologists from California State University in Chico were requested for the excavation/preservation of the buried skeletal remains. At the conclusion of the excavation, the forensic anthropology team unearthed human skeletal remains, which were absent the head. It appeared the remains located within the shallow grave had been there for an extended time, and the partial articles of clothing collected suggested 1980’s styles.
Due to the surrounding circumstances, this investigation was labeled as a "John Doe" homicide. An investigation was launched, and multiple attempts to identify the remains of the buried skeletal remains were made, but ultimately unsuccessful.
In Spring 2024, the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office sent forensic evidence to Othram. At Othram's laboratory, scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the forensic evidence and used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the unknown man. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then used this profile to conduct genealogy research, ultimately providing new investigative leads to law enforcement. The investigative leads presented genealogical findings for a Warren David Hawkins.
After receiving this information, investigators learned that “Warren Hawkins” had been reported missing by his sister Paula Hawkins to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office in Washington. Paula provided a DNA reference sample to the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office, which was provided to Othram and later used for his identification. An additional DNA sample was obtained from Paula in 2024 by the Gresham Police Department in Oregon.
The last reported sighting of Hawkins was in July 1986 when his now deceased mother dropped off 21-year-old Hawkins and another unknown male at a bus station. Because of the hard work and dedication of the above listed agencies, the remains of Warren David Hawkins can now be returned to his family.
This is still an active and ongoing homicide investigation with the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office and anyone with information related to this case is requested to call the Sheriff's Office Dispatch Center at 707-463-4086.
Republished courtesy of Mendocino County Sheriff's Office