Body of missing Arroyo Grande man found after 18 years
September 4, 2026
By JOSH FRIEDMAN
The remains of a 58-year-old man who was reported missing in 2008 have been discovered in San Luis Obispo County.
In June, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division began investigating a report of possible human remains found in a rural area of SLO County. Deputies located the remains and determined they were human, according to the SLO County Sheriff’s Office.
A forensic anthropologist identified the remains as Patrick Jay Valente, who was a 58 years old resident of rural Arroyo Grande when he was reported missing by family members in July 2008.
The circumstances surrounding Valente’s disappearance were considered suspicious at the time. Detectives are examining the newly discovered evidence in connection with the investigation into Valente’s disappearance.
Detectives are asking anyone who has information about Valente’s disappearance or the circumstances surrounding his death to contact the SLO County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at (805) 781-4500 or Crime Stoppers at (805) 549-7867 or www.slotips.org.
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