The ranch in Valley Center, California, associated with the recent disappearance case.
Authorities in Valley Center, California, have initiated a homicide investigation following the disappearance of 65-year-old foster mother Nadine Jett, who was battling pancreatic cancer. Jett’s last known sighting was in December, near her ranch on Oak Creek Road. Concerns have arisen regarding her former foster son, Cedric Von Ferdinand, who made suspicious claims about her death. Investigators are focusing on the ranch and seeking any information from the public that could aid in locating Jett or clarifying her status. Legal proceedings against Ferdinand and others are ongoing.
An active homicide investigation has been launched following the disappearance of Nadine Jett, a 65-year-old woman and foster mother from Valley Center, who was last seen in December 2023. Authorities are now focused on uncovering the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, with recent developments pointing toward potential foul play.
Nadine Jett owned a 20-acre ranch located on Oak Creek Road in Valley Center. Her daughters last saw her in December 2023, shortly after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Concerns about her whereabouts grew when she unexpectedly went missing, leading family members to express suspicion about her well-being.
Key individuals involved in the case include Cedric Von Ferdinand, also known as Charles, who was her former foster son. Ferdinand was reportedly caring for Jett at her ranch during her illness. Since her disappearance, Ferdinand has provided inconsistent information to her daughters about her fate. He claimed that Jett had died on Easter of the previous year and had been cremated in Mexico. However, he has not presented any official documentation to support this assertion.
Ferdinand further explained that it took him two months to obtain cremation documents but did not have a death certificate, raising skepticism. His attempt to sell Jett’s ranch for one million dollars, claiming the proceeds should benefit her four foster daughters, drew suspicion from real estate agent Noel Lawton. Lawton noted that Ferdinand failed to produce the official death certificate necessary for the sale to proceed legally.
On July 19, 2025, authorities initiated a comprehensive search near Jett’s property. Using heavy equipment, K-9 units, and drones, investigators focused on specific areas of the ranch, particularly where Ferdinand was observed digging. The neighbor of the property reported that Ferdinand was working in a spot designated for a rose garden in Jett’s memory, which added to investigative concerns.
The ongoing search aims to locate potential human remains and to gather evidence that could clarify Jett’s disappearance and whether her case involves foul play. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information to come forward through Crime Stoppers, offering a potential reward for useful tips.
Ferdinand, along with notary Raymond Joseph Alto, faces charges including forgery and grand theft related to alleged falsification of documents aimed at claiming ownership of Jett’s ranch property. Authorities suspect that these acts may be connected to her disappearance and possible homicide, although no arrests have been made yet. The investigation remains active as officials continue to piece together the case.
Preliminary hearings for Ferdinand and Alto are scheduled for September. Law enforcement continues to investigate whether the document forgeries and property schemes are linked to Jett’s disappearance and possible demise.
Jett’s foster daughters describe her as an “amazing woman” and a dedicated mother figure who played an active role in their lives and support systems. They expressed concern that Ferdinand had isolated their mother and was withholding critical information from them, which has heightened the urgency of the investigation.
The local community remains engaged, with residents noting Ferdinand’s recent activities on the property and questioning the circumstances surrounding Jett’s disappearance. The focus continues to be on uncovering the truth and ensuring justice in this case.
Nadine Jett’s case has garnered significant attention in the community, not only due to her role as a foster mother but also because of the suspicious circumstances surrounding her disappearance. The case underscores questions about property and estate fraud, as well as potential criminal activity related to her vanishing. As law enforcement officers work to gather evidence, the case remains a developing story with ongoing efforts to locate Jett and bring clarity to her case.
Authorities emphasize the importance of community cooperation and hope that any information—no matter how small—could aid in solving this complex investigation.
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