Dog Walker Finds Human Bone In IE Desert, Homicide Investigation Underway

VICTORVILLE, CA — A bone found in the Inland Empire desert community last month has been confirmed as human, and now investigators are working to determine the identity of the deceased and the cause of death.

The single bone was found Monday, Jan. 26, by a person walking his dog near Abbey Lane and Stoddard Wells Road in the high desert city of Victorville, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

The bone was delivered to the coroner's office, which confirmed on Wednesday, Jan. 28, that it was human.

Two days later, deputies returned to the area where the bone was found and conducted an extensive search.

Several additional bones and bone fragments were recovered, but most are likely animal bones, though forensic work will confirm, according to the sheriff's department.

Homicide investigators are awaiting DNA results on the bone that was confirmed to be human, and they are reviewing missing persons cases.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.