Placer Sheriff's Office seeking information in 1972 cold case

The Placer County Sheriff's Office is seeking information related to a 1972 cold case homicide where an unidentified man was burned alive. According to the Placer County Sheriff's Office, the man's identity is closer to being confirmed as a possible identification was developed through an extensive two-year investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) effort conducted by Ramapo College. The individual is believed to be Grover Benjamin Hughes, born July 21, 1894. The Sheriff's Office confirmed Hughes was originally from Des Moines, Iowa, and known to have spent time in the San Francisco Bay Area before the 1960s. According to the Sheriff's Office, investigators have been unable to confirm the identity through the Department of Justice Missing and Unidentified Persons Program due to the distant nature of the genetic relationships identified and the lack of close living descendants. "According to police reports and the coroner's findings, the man appeared to have been in a hospital or convalescent-care setting prior to his death," the Sheriff's Office reported Thursday. "He was described as emaciated and bedridden, with a healed fracture to his left arm. Autopsy findings indicate the man was burned alive and was located near Interstate 80 at the Drum Forebay Overcrossing near Baxter." The Sheriff's Office confirmed the man was described as a white male, 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighing about 135 pounds with blue eyes and light-colored hair. He was found wearing a hospital gown, and bedding and personal items found with him were consistent with those used in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities or convalescent homes. The Sheriff's Office reported the man was found close in time to when the Weimar Joint Sanatorium (now the Weimar University) closed, however, patient records from the time the sanatorium closed have not been located. According to the Sheriff's Office, investigators are seeking the public's assistance regarding: Any information about Grover Benjamin Hughes, including photos. Knowledge of hospital or medical-facility bedding from Placer County in 1972 that matches the items shown in the accompanying image. Information about any patients who may have disappeared from a hospital, skilled nursing facility or convalescent home around Oct. 3, 1972.Individuals who may recall Hughes or circumstances consistent with his disappearance or death. Any information, even if it seems minor, that could help confirm the decedent's identity and determine the circumstances surrounding his death. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Office at 530-889-7853 or submit tips at PCSOTipline@placer.ca.gov.