Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Human Remains Found in Carmel Valley
MONTEREY COUNTY, CA — The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has initiated an investigation following the discovery of human remains in an unincorporated section of Carmel Valley. On January 29, 2026, at approximately 6:45 PM, sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a rural area along Cachagua Road. The dispatch followed a report from individuals walking in the vicinity who discovered what appeared to be a human skull and other skeletal remains.
Upon arrival, deputies confirmed the presence of the remains and secured the scene. The site was subsequently turned over to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division for further processing. Over the following days, officials conducted a search of the area, resulting in the location and collection of additional human remains.
A forensic examination is scheduled to take place to assist in the identification of the individual. This investigative process will involve DNA analysis and a comparison against missing and unidentified persons records maintained by the California Department of Justice.
This incident marks the second discovery of human remains in the region within a several-week period. On December 29, 2025, a land surveyor reported finding a human skull in the area of Viejo Road. During that previous investigation, additional remains were collected by the Coroner’s Office; however, identification remains pending the results of DNA analysis. Both cases remain active investigations, and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has stated that no further details are currently available at this time.
