Heartbreaking Discovery in Nevada City
On July 21, a father and son taking a drive along Banner Quaker Hill Road in Nevada City stumbled upon something that would haunt them forever—human remains lying by the roadside. The shocking find immediately prompted a call to 911, bringing Nevada County Sheriff’s Office deputies and investigators to the scene. The quiet mountain community, known for its peaceful scenery, suddenly became the center of a devastating crime investigation.
Authorities quickly began working to determine the identity of the victim. Soon after, the remains were confirmed to belong to Adrian Aaron Aaby, 48, a Grass Valley resident. The confirmation shattered the hearts of his family and friends, who had been desperately hoping for his safe return. What they learned next was even more devastating—Adrian had been the victim of a homicide.
The Suspect and the Hunt for Justice
The investigation led detectives to identify a person of interest: Damon Abraham, 49, also from Grass Valley. Evidence linking Abraham to the crime was compelling enough for detectives to obtain both an arrest warrant and a search warrant for his property.
On August 7, while Abraham was away from his home, law enforcement executed the search warrant. Later that same day, California State Parks officers apprehended him in Sacramento on unrelated charges. With the evidence mounting, authorities charged him with homicide. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Abraham is now in custody and will be transferred to the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility, where he will face justice for the horrific crime.
A Community Mourns a Life Taken Too Soon
Adrian Aaron Aaby was more than just a name in a police report—he was a son, a friend, and a beloved member of the Grass Valley community. Those who knew him speak of his kindness, his ability to make others laugh, and his deep love for the people in his life. His untimely death has left a deep wound in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, the community is coming together to honor Adrian’s memory and to support his grieving loved ones. Candlelight vigils and online tributes are already underway, as friends share photos, stories, and words of love in remembrance. While justice is now in motion, no arrest or trial can ever undo the heartbreak of losing Adrian in such a violent way.
The road where his remains were found is once again quiet, but the memory of that discovery will remain etched in the minds of all who have been touched by this devastating loss. The community now waits for the day when they can see justice served and remember Adrian not for the way he was taken, but for the life he lived and the light he brought into the world.
