The Tragic Mystery: Everything We Know About Nadine Jett's Remains Found On Her Valley Center Property

The discovery of human skeletal remains on a sprawling 20-acre property in Valley Center, California, has tragically confirmed the worst fears of a community and the family of missing renowned divorce lawyer, Nadine Jett. As of today, December 12, 2025, the case remains an active homicide investigation by the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, with the victim's foster son facing a staggering number of felony charges related to fraud and theft, raising profound questions about the circumstances surrounding her death.

The case has captured national attention, not only because of the victim's prominent professional background and her battle with a serious illness but also due to the disturbing details of a body found buried on her own land. While the official cause and manner of death are still pending or have not been publicly released, the focus has shifted dramatically from a simple missing person case to a complex criminal inquiry involving financial exploitation and potential murder.

Biography and Timeline of Nadine Jett

Nadine Jett was a respected figure in the legal community and a devoted foster mother. Her sudden and unexplained disappearance in late 2023 set off a frantic search by her loved ones and local authorities. The timeline of her final known months and the subsequent investigation paints a chilling picture of events.

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• Full Name: Nadine Jett
• Age: 65 at the time of her disappearance.
• Location: Valley Center, California (specifically the 14800 block of an Oak Creek property).
• Profession: Renowned Divorce Lawyer.
• Family: Foster mother to several children, including Charles/Cedric Von Ferdinand, and had foster daughters who have been vocal about the case.
• Health Status: Shortly before her disappearance, Nadine Jett was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
• Last Seen: December 2023. Her family reported that she had not been seen since that time, just after her cancer diagnosis.
• Discovery of Remains: July (2024, approximately one year and a half after she was last seen). The skeletal remains were discovered buried on her 20-acre property after the San Diego County Sheriff's Office Homicide Detectives served a search warrant.
• Identification: The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office officially identified the remains as those of Nadine Jett.

The Shocking Discovery on Her Own Property

For more than a year, Nadine Jett's disappearance was a mystery. Foul play was suspected by her foster daughters and neighbors, especially after her communication abruptly ceased. The breakthrough in the case came in July, when an ongoing investigation led detectives to the Valley Center property she owned.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office Homicide Detail, with the assistance of the Special Enforcement Detail, executed a search warrant at the home located on the 14800 block of the property. This search operation resulted in the grim discovery of skeletal human remains buried on the large, rural ranch. The fact that the remains of the missing woman were found on her own land immediately intensified the criminal investigation and fueled public speculation.

The Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the identity using dental records and other forensic techniques. While the identification brought a measure of closure to the family, the crucial question of how she died remains a central focus of the active investigation.

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Homicide Investigation and Related Fraud Charges

The discovery of Nadine Jett’s body has officially escalated the case to a homicide investigation. Detectives are diligently pursuing all leads to uncover the circumstances surrounding her death, which is currently classified as "undetermined" in terms of cause and manner. The investigation is complex, intertwining the death with serious allegations of financial exploitation.

The primary figure facing charges related to the case is her foster son, Charles Von Ferdinand (sometimes reported as Cedric Von Ferdinand). While not yet charged in connection with her death, he has been embroiled in a major legal battle concerning Nadine Jett’s finances and property.

The Financial Exploitation Allegations

Charles Von Ferdinand faces a staggering number of felony counts—now totaling 41 charges—including fraud, theft, and financial elder abuse. These charges stem from allegations that he attempted to fraudulently take control of Nadine Jett's assets and property after her disappearance.

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The timing of these alleged financial crimes, occurring while Jett was battling pancreatic cancer and had vanished, suggests a motive centered on inheritance and property acquisition. The preliminary hearing in the fraud case was a major development, with a judge ordering the defendant to be bound over for trial.

The foster daughters of Nadine Jett have been vocal about their suspicions, stating that the financial crimes and the disappearance are inextricably linked. The sheer volume of felony counts against Von Ferdinand highlights the depth of the alleged financial scheme.

The Ongoing Search for Justice

The Valley Center community and Nadine Jett’s family are now focused on two separate but related legal tracks: the homicide investigation into her death and the prosecution of Charles Von Ferdinand on the numerous fraud and theft charges.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office continues to urge anyone with information regarding Nadine Jett's disappearance or the circumstances of her death to come forward. The goal of the detectives is to determine the definitive cause of death and identify the person or persons responsible for her tragic end.

The case of the renowned divorce lawyer, who went missing while battling cancer only to be found buried on her own ranch, serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of those facing serious illness and the complexities of familial relationships. The pursuit of justice for Nadine Jett is a testament to the dedication of the San Diego County Sheriff's Office and the perseverance of her loving family.