As autumn 2024 approaches, the Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) of the Gila County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a geologist’s macabre discovery in early 2023.

It was Jan. 2, 2023 when family members reported 39-year-old Manuel Marquez missing. The Sheriff’s Office and Arizona Department of Public Safety, along with relatives of Marquez, searched the area where he was last reported with no success. Even an air search by DPS’ Ranger helicopter was unable to find him.

On Jan. 25, 2023 the geologist, representing Bat Conservation International and working in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service, was surveying the Jasper Canyon Mine Shaft outside Globe. In an adjoining drift hole, he found what appeared to be a body. The CIB responded to the area, along with members of the Globe Police and Fire Departments.

The first recovery attempt was made Feb. 1, 2023. CIB Detective Chris McGroarty said it was a day-long endeavor, including a mine rescue expert named Wayne Courtney, with little progress. “Keep in mind, this was very dangerous due to it being a very small drift hole,” McGroarty, who was assigned to the case about a year ago, said in an email to the Silver Belt.

The body was recovered the next day. Based on descriptions and clothing, it appeared to be Manuel Marquez. This was confirmed Feb. 6, 2023 in an autopsy by the Pinal County Medical Examiner’s Office. Further, the procedure concluded that Marquez had been the victim of a homicide.

McGroarty said investigative leads were developed early on, but that he could not describe them at this time. At his request, the autopsy report and its specific results have been sealed. “This is an open and active investigation, so I therefore cannot share any additional details for the time being,” he said. “I am confident and hopeful we will conclude this investigation soon.”