In 1988, a tree removal crew working in Quincy, California found what appeared to be a human bone sticking out of the ground.
The Plumas County Sheriff’s Department responded, and found what was confirmed to be human skeletal remains.
The evidence was passed from The University of Arizona, to the California State University of Chico’s Anthropology Department, to the California Department of Justice, and then finally back to the Chico State University Anthropology Lab.
The investigation was able to confirm that the victim had wounds consistent with a gunshot injury, but was never able to confirm the victim’s identity.
In 2022 the case was re-examined, trying to use additional DNA technology available at the time to find an identity, with no luck.
Then again in 2023, the FBI Sacramento Field Office took a look at the case using Investigative Genetic Genealogy.
Using new evidence gathered from the new technologies, plus anything gathered prior to that point, the FBI and Sheriff’s Detectives were able to locate two living, blood-related family members of the victim in the Bakersfield area.
The family members agreed to voluntarily provide DNA, and then those samples were checked against the unidentified remains. Officials say that the comparison provided “strong support that the decedent is related to this family.”
The new evidence points to the victim being a man named Paul Davis. Family members say Davis lived a transient lifestyle and had substance abuse problems, and used to keep in contact until one day he just stopped.
There is little information known about any of Davis’ past associates, friends, or the circumstances surrounding his death. Anyone with any information is urged to call the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office Detective Unit at (530) 283-6363.