Richard Grayson Drewry, an 85-year-old resident of Garberville, California, was found dead on January 26, 2021. His body was discovered inside a vehicle parked along Bell Springs Road, near Island Mountain Road. Deputies from the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a gunshot victim at approximately 10:45 a.m. Upon arrival, they found Drewry with a gunshot wound and attempted lifesaving measures, but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The vehicle, a blue 2010 Ford Explorer, was identified by its California license plate number PHOODIS. An autopsy was scheduled to determine the exact cause of death, but the manner of death was initially undetermined, and the case remained under investigation.
The investigation into Drewry's death has been ongoing, with no arrests made or suspects publicly identified. The case has drawn attention due to its unresolved nature and the potential connections to the illicit marijuana industry in the rural areas of Humboldt and Mendocino counties. A documentary titled "High Country Murder," released in December 2024, explores the circumstances surrounding Drewry's death. Directed and produced by sisters Keely Brazil Covello and Michaela Brazil Gillies, the film delves into the challenges faced by law enforcement in these remote regions and the lack of national attention on such cases. The documentary includes interviews with Drewry's family and Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal, highlighting the need for increased awareness and resources to address crimes in rural communities.
Despite the efforts of law enforcement and the attention brought by the documentary, the murder of Richard Grayson Drewry remains unsolved. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office continues to seek information from the public, urging anyone with knowledge of Drewry's activities or the events leading up to his death to come forward. The case underscores the complexities and difficulties in solving crimes in isolated areas, where limited resources and vast, rugged terrain can hinder investigative efforts. As of now, Drewry's family and the community await justice and closure for the tragic loss of a respected elder.
