News
Released: September 4, 2026 - Friday, 10:28 AM
The remains were examined by a Forensic Anthropologist and identified as Patrick Jay Valente, who was 58 years old and a resident of unincorporated Arroyo Grande when he was reported missing by family members in July 2008.
The circumstances surrounding Valente’s disappearance in 2008 were considered suspicious and were investigated by the Sheriff’s Office. Detectives with the Major Crimes Unit are investigating this newly discovered evidence in connection with the ongoing investigation into Valente’s disappearance.
The Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team later assisted detectives and other personnel with recovery efforts.
Anyone with information regarding Valente’s disappearance or the circumstances surrounding his death is encouraged to contact the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at (805) 781-4500 or Crime Stoppers at (805) 549-7867 or www.slotips.org.
Remains Found in Missing Person Case
Contact: Grace NorrisPhone: [email protected]Date and time of incident: June, 2026Place of Occurrence: Rural San Luis Obispo CountyVictim Information: Patrick Jay ValenteSuspect Information: N/AIn June of 2026, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division began investigating a report of possible human remains located in a rural area of San Luis Obispo County. Detectives from the Major Crimes and Coroner Units, along with our Forensic Specialists, located the remains and determined they were human.The remains were examined by a Forensic Anthropologist and identified as Patrick Jay Valente, who was 58 years old and a resident of unincorporated Arroyo Grande when he was reported missing by family members in July 2008.
The circumstances surrounding Valente’s disappearance in 2008 were considered suspicious and were investigated by the Sheriff’s Office. Detectives with the Major Crimes Unit are investigating this newly discovered evidence in connection with the ongoing investigation into Valente’s disappearance.
The Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team later assisted detectives and other personnel with recovery efforts.
Anyone with information regarding Valente’s disappearance or the circumstances surrounding his death is encouraged to contact the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at (805) 781-4500 or Crime Stoppers at (805) 549-7867 or www.slotips.org.
