GRANTS, N.M. – Five years after human remains were discovered off a remote forest road southeast of Grants, authorities have identified the man as Ever Orozco-Salcido, who was first reported missing after leaving Colorado for the Grants area in late 2017.
According to case information shared with the Cibola Citizen, Orozco-Salcido was last seen by family members on Dec. 25, 2017, when he left Colorado with plans to work in the Grants–San Mateo area. When relatives were unable to reach him, he was later reported missing.
On Dec. 7, 2020, remains were found along Forest Service Road 448, roughly 15 miles southeast of Grants. Items at the scene included clothing and a belt buckle bearing the name “Orozco.” Investigators subsequently confirmed the remains as Orozco-Salcido through dental records.
Available case records indicate the death is being treated as a suspicious death, and foul play is suspected. The Cibola County Sheriff’s Office lists the case as under investigation, and no arrests have been announced.
Advocates working with Orozco-Salcido’s family are seeking renewed public attention to the case as the anniversary of the discovery passes this week.
The Cibola Citizen has requested additional information from law enforcement and will publish follow-up coverage in a future edition, including more on Orozco-Salcido’s life, his ties to this area, and any new details about the investigation.