05/21/2026
***Updated with full video of today's press conference***
MEDIA RELEASE
Major Crimes Unit Makes Arrest for Homicide
On July 20, 2021, at 1112 hours, James Redmill Jr. contacted SHASCOM to report his father, James Redmill Sr., missing from his residence on Wild Turkey Road in the Trinity Alps Preserve area of Shasta County. Redmill Sr.’s family had traveled from Washington State to Shasta County after being contacted by neighbors who had not seen him for several days. Deputy Dyche was the initial responding deputy who took the missing persons report.
A missing person report requires deputies to immediately accept and investigate the report, document when and where the person was last seen, gather identifying information, interview reporting parties and witnesses, and check relevant locations for evidence or signs of foul play. When appropriate, deputies issue a BOLO, and the missing person is entered into the required databases, including the California Department of Justice Missing and Unidentified Persons System (MUPS) and the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Follow-up steps may also include obtaining photographs, medical or dental information, DNA/biological samples from family, and continued investigative updates until the person is located.
Neighbors reported Redmill Sr. was last seen on or around July 8, 2021. They also reported suspicious activity at Redmill Sr.’s property after his disappearance, including unfamiliar vehicles on the property and items being loaded from the residence. The circumstances surrounding Redmill Sr.’s disappearance were considered suspicious, and the case was initially investigated by the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit (MCU) Detective Henderson. Despite follow-up on all available leads at the time, no further actionable information was developed.
In April 2026, the case was reassigned to MCU Detective Amanda Pruitt and Detective Travis Williams. MCU received new information indicating Redmill Sr. may have been killed and buried on a neighboring property belonging to Nicholas Allen Beery, age 55, of Igo, CA.
On May 19, 2026, at 0707 hours, Major Crimes Unit Detectives, with assistance from the Shasta County Interagency SWAT Team, Shasta Interagency Narcotics Task Force (SINTF), AB109/SAFE Team, and the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office, served the search warrant at Beery’s residence. During the search, investigators located a buried set of human remains behind the residence. The Chico State Anthropology Department assisted with the recovery of the remains.
The remains were positively identified as James Redmill Sr. During the search of Beery’s residence, detectives also located multiple fi****ms, including illegal assault weapons and manufacturing components, methamphetamine packaged for sale, and drug paraphernalia.
300 Park Marina Circle - Redding, CA 96001-1679 - Phone (530) 245-6000 - Fax (530) 245-6054
Beery was arrested and booked into the Shasta County Jail for 187 PC, Homicide, as well as firearm and drug-related charges. Detectives also requested special allegations for use of a firearm causing death and lying in wait. Beery is being held without bail, and his arraignment is scheduled for May 21, 2026.
This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit.
The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the assisting agencies involved in this investigation, including the Shasta County Interagency SWAT Team, Shasta County Interagency Narcotics Task Force, AB109/SAFE Team, Shasta County District Attorney’s Office, Chico State Anthropology Department, Shasta County Public Works, and CAL FIRE.
Case # 21S023793
Contact: Detective Sergeant J. Duncan #212
Phone: (530) 245-6135
Date: 05/21/2026
