Body of 98-year-old Richard West Identified after being Found in Stockton Levee

STOCKTON, Calif. — The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office has officially identified the body found in a Stockton levee in August as that of Richard West, a 98-year-old man. The confirmation was made public by the sheriff’s office in collaboration with ABC10 on Wednesday.

Discovery during Joint Operation

The body was discovered during a joint operation conducted by the Boating Safety Unit and the Sacramento County Sheriff Dive team. The operation aimed to pull vehicles out of the delta area when one of the cars found was registered to a missing person from 2007. Although the missing person’s name was not initially released, it has now been confirmed that the body found belongs to Richard West.

Long-standing Disappearance

Richard West had been reported missing since February 2007, making his disappearance one of the longest-standing missing person cases in the Stockton area. The discovery of his body brings closure to his family and friends who have waited over a decade for answers.

Levee Removal Operation

The body was found as part of the ongoing effort by authorities to remove vehicles from the levee near 8 Mile Road. This operation involves the removal of cars that have been abandoned or submerged in the water. The joint operation between the Boating Safety Unit and the Sacramento County Sheriff Dive team has proven crucial in uncovering the identity of the body found in one of the vehicles.

Maintaining Safety and Security

The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the community. The discovery of Richard West’s body highlights the importance of these joint operations and ongoing efforts to locate missing persons and solve cold cases. Authorities continue to work diligently to provide closure to families affected by long-standing disappearances.

As investigations and identifications progress, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office will release more information to the public. The collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies serve as a beacon of hope for families with unresolved cases.