Two Mendocino County sisters, Keely Brazil Covello and Michaela Brazil Gillies, produced a documentary about the unsolved murder of rancher Richard Drewry. Drewry was found dead in his truck on the Humboldt-Mendocino county line in January 2021.
The sisters, known as the Brazil sisters, grew up in Potter Valley and felt compelled to investigate the case due to their connection to the community. Their documentary, “High Country Murder”, explores the rising tensions between ranchers and large-scale cannabis grows, some believed to be run by criminal organizations.
The documentary highlights the challenges faced by the sisters, including fear from locals and limited resources. Despite not uncovering the exact reason behind Drewry’s death, they did find evidence pointing to a possible suspect.
The documentary aims to bring renewed attention to the case and encourage information sharing within the community. The Brazil sisters are also considering future documentaries on water issues, tribal communities, and the impact of fentanyl on rural areas.