Human Skull Found In Twentynine Palms, Homicide Investigation Launched

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA — A homicide investigation was continuing Monday after a human skull was found in Twentynine Palms.

A hiker made the discovery around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, near the area of Adobe and Baseline roads, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, which is the lead investigating agency.

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An "extensive" law enforcement search of the area was conducted, and it was determined that "the skull appeared to have been exposed for an extended period of time," the sheriff's department reported.

The agency did not disclose whether any further evidence was recovered at the site.

"The remains will undergo forensic examination, while additional information is pending DNA results for the identification of the remains," according to the sheriff's department.

The law enforcement agency did not disclose whether foul play is suspected. A homicide investigation is launched when remains are found, and the cause of death is unexplained.

Across California, more than 3,000 missing persons cases are unresolved.

All of Twentynine Palms is located within the Mojave Desert. The area is characterized by an arid climate with extreme summer and winter temperatures.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call or text “REPORT” to We-Tip at 844-909-3006. Online reporting is also available at mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.