Credit: Othram
In September 2025, the Shasta County Sheriff's Office (California) Major Crimes Unit reopened the disappearance of James Homer Wright Jr., a missing person case dating back to 1988. The case took on new significance when James' mother recognized a pair of Nike high-top shoes associated with unidentified remains recovered in a 1990 Shasta County Coroner's case.
The Redding Police Department worked jointly with the Shasta County Sheriff's Office to pursue the lead.
It was learned that in the fall of 1990, unidentified remains were found on a small island on the Sacramento River south of Bonnyview. A second search was conducted on the island in 1991 with additional remains found.
DNA testing was not available in California until approximately 2004, with the Department of Justice being the sole agency capable of testing. The remains were sent for testing in 2006. In 2007, the remains were only able to be identified as male.
Investigators obtained familial DNA samples, and the Redding Police Department coordinated testing through the California Department of Justice and Othram. In March 2026, DNA analysis positively identified the unidentified remains as those of James Homer Wright Jr.
On Nov. 23, 1988, Wright left a family member's home in Redding on his bicycle, telling them he was going to a nearby gas station. He never returned home and was not seen or heard from again.
Following additional investigative review to corroborate the findings, investigators from both agencies notified James' family of the identification on July 15, 2026. This week, the Shasta County Coroner’s Office respectfully released James’ remains to his family for burial.
The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office and the Redding Police Department are hopeful that the identification and return of James’ remains allows closure and healing for his family and loved ones.
Republished courtesy of Shasta County Sheriff's Office