The remains of Patrick Valente, 58 of Arroyo Grande, were found in June, nearly 18 years after he was reported missing by his family. Submitted photo
The Sheriff’s Department has identified human remains found in June as an Arroyo Grande man who disappeared nearly 20 years ago under suspicious circumstances.
Sheriff’s spokeswoman Grace Norris said in a news release, “In June 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.
She added that detectives from the Major Crimes Unit, the Coroner’s Unit and the department’s forensic specialist responded, located the remains and determined them to be human.
The remains went to a forensic anthropologist who identified them as those of Patrick Jay Valente, a 58-year-old Arroyo Grande man who had been reported as missing by his family back in July 2008, nearly 18-years ago.
“The circumstances surrounding Valente’s disappearance in 2008,” Norris said, “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 Search and Rescue Team was brought in to assist with recovery efforts and gathering possible evidence at the scene of Valente’s discovery.
The Sheriff’s Department is asking the public help in the case. “Anyone with information regarding Velente’s disappearance or the circumstances surrounding his death is encouraged to contact the SLO County Sheriff’s Office Detective s Unit at: 805-781-4500 or Crime Stoppers at: 805-7867 or online at: www.slotips.org.
