ID Of Remains Found Near I-10 Overpass Under Investigation

CATHEDRAL CITY, CA — Authorities are investigating the scene where human remains were found in Cathedral City, and have confirmed that the remains are "recent" in nature.

On Tuesday, shortly before 1:15 p.m., a Caltrans maintenance crew was conducting a routing inspection of drainage culverts on Date Palm Drive at the Interstate 10 overpass. During that work, they found what they believed were remains and called the Cathedral City Police Department.

Police arrived and confirmed that the remains appeared to be human, and the department's Detective Bureau assumed the investigation.

The victim was in possession of a debit card, which provided "a possible identification," which is currently being reviewed.

Officials removed the victim from the drainage culvert, and a positive identification will be provided by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department Coroner's Bureau.

Due to the condition of the remains, a cause of death was not immediately available.

A temporary closure of the eastbound I-10 on-ramp at Date Palm Drive for personnel safety was lifted later that day.

Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact the department's Detective Bureau at 760-770-0300, or report tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 760-341-7867.