Michael William Desmet was 33 when he disappeared on August 26, 2005. He and 52-year-old Joseph Clarence Wilma Jr. were last seen leaving Humboldt County, California, headed for Wilma’s remote property in Covelo in Wilma’s maroon 1998 Toyota pickup truck. Officers had recently eradicated a large illicit marijuana garden on Wilma’s land shortly before the two men vanished.

In April 2007 a hiker found a human jawbone near Wilma’s property, triggering an extensive search. Wilma’s truck and additional human remains, including a femur, were recovered and later identified as Wilma, confirming he had been murdered. No trace of Desmet was found. Authorities suspect Desmet also fell victim to foul play and believe both disappearances were connected to illegal activity in the area, but no suspects have been identified.

If anyone knew Michael Desmet, his movements in late August 2005, or has information about that Covelo property, please share what is known.