A Monday morning at a Fontana recycling plant turned grim on March 16 when workers discovered a man’s body on a conveyor belt, prompting a full homicide investigation at the West Valley Material Recovery Facility.
Deputies quickly taped off part of the plant, in the 13000 block of Napa Street east of Etiwanda Avenue, and began combing through the scene. County officials say the man has been identified, but the official cause and manner of death will have to wait for the autopsy.
What the sheriff's office says
In a post, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office reported that deputies found a “deceased adult male on a recycling conveyor belt” inside the West Valley Material Recovery Facility on March 16, and that a preliminary investigation revealed immediate signs of foul play.
The agency identified the man as 51-year-old Justin Jeffrey Gill, described as a presumed transient. Officials say the Sheriff‑Coroner will determine the official cause and manner of death after an autopsy is performed. The post included case numbers DR# 032600644 and H# 2026‑028.
Where the discovery happened
The West Valley Material Recovery Facility, listed at 13373 Napa Street, is operated by Burrtec and is part of its West Valley transfer station and processing locations. County planning records describe the site as handling mixed recyclables along with construction and demolition debris, with authorization for large‑volume processing in the San Bernardino West Valley region.
Investigation and next steps
The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division’s homicide detail is leading the case. Detective Ryan Grissom and Sergeant Bryan Sprague were named as points of contact, and investigators are asking anyone with information to reach out to the homicide detail at (909) 890‑4904. Officials say they expect to release more information as the autopsy results and follow‑up investigative work come in.
Legal and forensic status
The San Bernardino County Sheriff‑Coroner’s office, headed by Sheriff‑Coroner Shannon D. Dicus, will oversee the autopsy and related forensic testing. Those findings will guide investigators on their next moves in the case. The department says it will share updates when additional verified details are available.
Anyone with tips, video, or other information tied to the incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s homicide detail at (909) 890‑4904 and reference case DR# 032600644.
