The search for a missing Grants Pass man reached a significant and somber milestone last week after human remains were recovered from a remote section of Josephine County, a discovery investigators believe is connected to an active homicide case that has steadily developed over the past several weeks.
Search efforts took a dramatic turn Thursday afternoon when a volunteer with the Josephine County Search and Rescue program located what appeared to be human remains in rugged terrain near Reuben Mountain Road beyond the Grave Creek Bridge. The isolated location, characterized by steep slopes, dense timber and limited access, quickly became the focus of a coordinated response involving multiple local and state law enforcement agencies.
Authorities believe the remains are those of 67-year-old Randall “Randy” Hecker, who was reported missing earlier this month. Formal identification remains pending while the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office completes forensic testing and an autopsy. Until that process is finished, investigators continue identifying the remains only as those believed to belong to Hecker.
According to investigators, the discovery occurred shortly after midday while a Josephine County Search and Rescue volunteer was conducting operations in the remote area. After noticing what appeared to be human remains, the volunteer was unable to immediately contact authorities because cellular service is virtually nonexistent throughout much of the surrounding forest. The volunteer drove toward Merlin before encountering Oregon State Police troopers and a Josephine County Sheriff’s deputy, then directed them back to the location.
Once law enforcement personnel confirmed the discovery, additional resources were requested to secure the scene and safely recover the remains from the steep terrain. Members of the Josephine County Search and Rescue rope rescue team responded with specialized equipment designed for technical recoveries in difficult environments. Investigators from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, the Grants Pass Police Department and the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office also responded as the recovery operation expanded into a full criminal investigation.
The recovery represents another major development in a case that had already transitioned from a missing person investigation into a homicide investigation before the remains were located. Detectives had previously developed sufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges despite not having recovered Hecker.
Earlier in the investigation, 50-year-old Israel Wytcherley was arrested on several felony charges, including attempted murder, first-degree assault, first-degree kidnapping and unlawful use of a weapon. As investigators continued gathering evidence, the case was presented to a Josephine County grand jury, which later returned an indictment charging Wytcherley with second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon. The criminal prosecution remains pending in Josephine County Circuit Court.
Although the arrest represented a significant milestone in the investigation, detectives continued pursuing forensic evidence, witness interviews and physical evidence while searching for Hecker. The recovery of the remains now provides investigators with another critical component as prosecutors continue preparing the case for future court proceedings.
Oregon State Police remains the lead investigative agency while working closely with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Grants Pass Police Department, the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office and the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office. Multi-agency cooperation is common in major homicide investigations, allowing investigators to combine specialized forensic resources, technical expertise and investigative personnel throughout complex criminal cases.
Despite the recovery, investigators have intentionally withheld several important details while the investigation continues. Authorities have not released the official cause or manner of death, how long the remains were at the recovery site, what evidence led investigators to the location near Reuben Mountain or whether additional arrests or criminal charges may follow as the investigation progresses.
The Sheriff’s Office also recognized the contribution of its volunteer Search and Rescue program throughout the operation. Staffed by trained volunteers who donate thousands of hours each year, the organization regularly assists with wilderness searches, technical rope rescues, evidence recovery and emergency operations throughout Josephine County. In this case, the careful observation of a volunteer ultimately led investigators to the location where they believe Hecker’s remains were found.
The investigation remains active as forensic specialists complete the identification process and determine the official cause and manner of death. Until those examinations are complete, investigators continue collecting evidence and coordinating with prosecutors while preparing the case for the next stage of judicial proceedings.