On September 9, 2013, a body was discovered in a wooded canyon near Warren Drive and Smith Grade in Bonny Doon. Forensic analysis, including DNA, has determined the body to be that of Elias Sorokin. Mr. Sorokin was the victim of a homicide on July 20, 2009. The body was found approximately one mile from where his burned vehicle was found on a fire road off of Smith Grade Road on July 28, 2009. At that time, an intensive effort was launched to locate the body, including hikers, ATV’s, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Detectives recovered the body and processed the scene for additional evidence. The Santa Cruz Police Department has worked closely with the Sheriff’s Office throughout this investigation. The family of Elias Sorokin met with investigators on Friday September 27th to view the remains and tour the discovery site. Retired Sergeant Dave Perry worked closely with the Sorokin family and had developed a close relationship during the investigation. Sergeant Perry flew back to Santa Cruz to meet with the family on Friday.
In a prepared statement, Nick Sorokin, the father of Elias asked his statement be released through the Santa Cruz Police Department. His statement is as follows:
The family of Elias Sorokin, can now deliver his fragile remains to its final resting place, knowing that his spirit is at peace glorifying Creation and continuous to bestow his love on us all.
His temporary resting place for four years a picturesque canyon full of redwoods was a setting he loved so much in life. As an arborist, he was called a “tree man” by many and even in death he earned his title, nurturing the trees around him.
His departure from us was a great loss which has no replacement. At the same time we are comforted believing that he rests in peace and that here on Earth the perpetrators of the heinous crime against Elias were caught and convicted due to the diligence and perseverance of the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office, Santa Cruz Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office.
Nick Sorokin
Three individuals have been convicted in connection with the case.