Virgil Owen Bussell Jr., 52, of Weitchpec, California, was last seen around March 1, 2020, in a remote area near Deerhorn Road where he was believed to be cutting firewood. His truck, loaded with freshly cut firewood and with the keys inside, was found abandoned on March 25, 2020; there were no obvious signs of a struggle. The vehicle’s intact condition and its contents have raised questions about whether it was left to mislead searchers.

Family members and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office conducted extensive searches in the rugged terrain but turned up no trace of Bussell. His family later received a suspicious ransom note, increasing concerns about foul play. Bussell, known as Buzz Cut and Uppity, has distinctive tattoos including a bear claw on his chest and Buscat on his upper arm. The case remains open and his whereabouts are unknown.

If anyone saw Virgil Bussell Jr. in early March 2020 or has information about Deerhorn Road that could help, please come forward.