SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Human remains discovered in a rural area of San Luis Obispo County have been identified as Patrick Jay Valente, a man who was reported missing by family members in July 2008.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division began investigating a report of possible human remains in June 2026. Detectives from the Major Crimes and Coroner units, along with forensic specialists, located the remains and determined they were human.
A forensic anthropologist later identified the remains as Valente, who was 58 years old and lived in unincorporated Arroyo Grande when he was reported missing.
The circumstances surrounding Valente’s disappearance were considered suspicious at the time and investigated by the Sheriff’s Office. Detectives with the Major Crimes Unit are now examining the newly discovered evidence as part of the ongoing investigation into his disappearance.
The Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team later assisted detectives and other personnel with recovery efforts.
No suspect information has been released.
Anyone with information about Valente’s disappearance or the circumstances surrounding his death is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at 805-781-4500 or Crime Stoppers at 805-549-7867. Tips can also be submitted through slotips.org