Sheriff William F. Honsal | Humboldt Sheriff’s Office website
Sheriff William F. Honsal | Humboldt Sheriff’s Office website
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has successfully identified human remains discovered in 2006, using advanced DNA technology. The remains have been confirmed to be those of Freddie Earl Long, born on April 13, 1943.
On October 9, 2006, a skull was found on timber company property in the Fieldbrook area. Upon investigation, deputies and detectives located additional skeletal remains, clothing, and various personal items. Despite conducting a thorough investigation involving the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office and sheriff's detectives, no physical evidence indicating foul play was found.
The Coroner’s office enlisted a team of experts from UC Santa Cruz to conduct a forensic anthropological analysis on the remains. Although they carried out an exhaustive examination, no additional evidence or identifying features were discovered. The Department of Justice received DNA and dental information for entry into the Missing and Unidentified Persons System (MUPS), but no identification was made at that time.
In 2022, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office collaborated with Othram Inc., a firm specializing in forensic genetic genealogy. They submitted DNA for forensic genome sequencing which led to the creation of a new DNA profile. This profile enabled HCSO to conduct a genealogy investigation which determined that the remains belonged to Freddie Long.
Long's closest living relative was contacted and provided a DNA sample for confirmation. The relative also confirmed that Long had disappeared around 1993 but had never been reported missing to authorities. With this updated information along with the personal effects found with the body and the anthropological analysis, it was confirmed that the remains were indeed those of Freddie Long.
Freddie Long was last known to be living in Big Bar, CA at age 50 when he disappeared. He may have used the alias “Cowboy Fred.” Due to limited information about Long around his disappearance time, anyone with information about this case is requested to contact Detective Danielle Vickman at 707-445-7251.
For information about other missing persons or unsolved homicides, please contact Investigator Mike Fridley at 707-441-3024. A list of the HCSO’s unsolved cases and current missing persons can be found at: https://humboldtgov.org/2772/Unsolved-Cases
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