On March 11, 1992, Mohave County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were notified that human remains had been discovered in a shallow grave off Interstate 40 near Lake Havasu City. The remains were located in a wash near Needles Mountain Road.
Responding deputies determined that a male victim had been buried there and partially uncovered by animals. Detectives secured the scene and collected evidence. An autopsy could not establish a cause of death, but the condition of the body led investigators to classify the death as a homicide.
Detectives assigned to the case obtained fingerprints and checked local and national databases but were unsuccessful in finding any missing persons matching the description of the victim. X-rays taken during the autopsy revealed a metal pin in the victim’s right tibia from knee to ankle. The pin was recovered and the brand and serial number information were obtained. The manufacturer of the pin provided information that detectives followed up on, but the lead was unsuccessful in helping them identify the victim.
The investigation took a positive turn in June 2026, when NamUs personnel contacted SIU investigators and offered funding for DNA testing and a forensic genetic genealogy investigation. Samples were sent to Othram, which successfully obtained a DNA profile that was uploaded to databases permitting law enforcement use.
On Oct. 21, 2026, the FBI notified Special Investigations Unit (SIU) investigators that the victim had been positively identified as Willie Blanton Mills, born April 4, 1955. The FBI conducted a forensic genetic genealogy investigation, that led to a relative who had reported that Mills had not been seen since 1992. The FBI Latent Print Unit confirmed his identity through fingerprints. Investigators further verified his identity by learning that Mills had a pin in his right leg after being injured in an accident. An age-appropriate photo could not be located for the victim.
Investigators do not yet know how Mills was killed or how he came to be buried in Mohave County. Originally from Pennsylvania, Mills was living with relatives in Santa Ana, CA when he disappeared.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to extend their appreciation to NamUs, Othram Inc. and especially the FBI for their assistance in this case. The collaboration with the FBI proved to be a great success, as their investigative genetic genealogy team was responsible for the successful identification.
SIU investigators are looking for anyone who might have information regarding Mills, particularly his whereabouts and activities in or around 1992. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigators at (928) 753-0753 ext. 4408, reference DR#92-03547.
Data from Mohave County Sheriff's Office