On March 22, 2025, at approximately 9:00 a.m., members of a church group were picking up trash on a stretch of I-19, between El Toro and Sahuarita Roads, when they discovered what appeared to them to be skeletal remains. Thinking the remains may be a Halloween decoration, the church members sought the advice of another church member who works as a federal agent. The agent upon viewing the remains determined them to be human. The Sahuarita Police Department was contacted the following day.
On March 23, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., officers arrived on the scene and saw the skeletal remains of what appeared to be a male, based on clothing at the scene. It was obvious to officers that the remains had been in the location for quite some time. This determination was based on the coloration of the bones. Also at the scene was a jacket, gray shoes, and a gray “polo” type shirt. The scene was secured by patrol personnel and Sahuarita Police Detectives were contacted.
SPD detectives and crime scene Specialists arrived on the scene, examined the area and remains, and found no suspicious circumstances. The Office of the Medical Examiner was also contacted to respond. Upon their arrival, and closer investigation of the body, identification was found in a wallet belonging to Mr. John Huff, 74 years of age, of Green Valley, AZ.
Mr. Huff was reported as a missing person on January 11, 2022, to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD #220111304). He was 71 years of age at the time he was reported missing. Mr. Huff was described in the report as having dementia and other medical issues. The Office of the Medical Examiner took custody of the remains, and Mr. Huff’s next of kin was notified. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department was also notified. At this time, no foul play is suspected, and the death is not considered suspicious.
If you or someone else may have information associated with this case, we'd like to speak with you. Anyone with information may contact the SPD by calling 911 or 344-7000 during business hours Monday through Friday or by contacting our TIP Line at 520-445-7847.