SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. -- The search for a local teenager who disappeared four years ago has taken a grim turn.

Shelby Raistlin Wright hasn't been seen since July 26, 2004. No one has been charged or arrested in the disappearance of the then-14 year old.

But on Sunday night deputies began the search for his remains with dogs, back hoes and radar equipment.

Deputies tried to uncover new clues in the dirt of a Snohomish County property. With heavy equipment and shovels, they spent hours looking for signs that might tell them just what happened to Wright after his disappearance.

Detectives suspect murder and are on the search for human remains, clothes or eye glasses on the property, according to the search warrant handed to the tenants.

"They knocked on the door. They said it was the sheriff's department. Handed me the paper and wouldn't tell me anything," said tenant Alan Jacobson.

Detectives refused to comment on the active investigation. It is not known why detectives believe Wright is dead.

It is also not known whether Sunday's dig uncovered any new leads. The property owner said as far as he knows the detectives are looking for clues one last time before the property is sold and developed, and any buried secrets are lost forever.

Deputies also served a warrant at another property nearby where Wright was last seen. Family members said the man who lives on the property was questioned by police years ago, but was never accused in the boy's disappearance.

Wright was caring for his great grandmother over the summer of 2004 while attending summer school. His grandfather and grandmother went out of town in late July and Wright was gone when they came home.

Family members said it is very unusual for Wright not to be in contact with them. They also said he does not have a history of running away.

Wright would have turned 18 last week. His grandmother said she was holding out hope that he might call on his birthday and say he was legally on his own. But she said she's now sure he didn't run away.