Executive Summary
- Initial Discovery: A dog walker found a bone near Abbey Lane and Stoddard Wells Road on January 26, 2026.
- Forensic Confirmation: The Coroner’s Division confirmed the initial bone was human on January 28, triggering a homicide investigation.
- Ongoing Search: Additional fragments were recovered on January 30; a forensic anthropologist will determine if they are human or animal.
- Investigation Status: The identity of the deceased is unknown, and DNA testing is currently in progress.
VICTORVILLE, Calif. – Authorities in San Bernardino County have initiated a formal homicide investigation after skeletal remains discovered in a desert area of Victorville were confirmed to be human. The inquiry began on Monday, January 26, 2026, when a resident walking a dog near the terminal end of Abbey Lane and Stoddard Wells Road reported locating a suspicious bone, according to a written statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies from the Victorville station responded to the scene at approximately 5:47 p.m. to verify the report. Upon confirmation that the bone appeared to be biological remains, the Coroner’s Division was notified and took possession of the evidence for examination. On Wednesday, January 28, coroner officials positively identified the bone as human, prompting the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail to assume control of the case.
Law enforcement personnel, in coordination with the Coroner’s Division, returned to the location on Friday, January 30, 2026, to conduct a more extensive search of the terrain. Investigators recovered additional bones and fragments during this operation. While preliminary assessments suggest the majority of the newly found fragments may be of animal origin, officials stated that a forensic anthropologist will conduct a comprehensive autopsy to distinguish which remains are human.
The identity of the decedent remains unknown at this time. The Sheriff’s Department indicated that DNA testing is currently underway to assist in the identification process. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the case to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME.
Investigative Outlook
The transition of this case to the Homicide Detail signifies a standard procedural escalation when human remains are found in circumstances that cannot be immediately explained by natural causes or medical history. The involvement of a forensic anthropologist is critical in such investigations, as their analysis can determine not only the biological profile of the decedent—such as age, sex, and stature—but also potential trauma markers that might indicate the cause and manner of death. Until the forensic analysis is complete and a positive identification is made via DNA comparison, law enforcement efforts will likely focus on cross-referencing missing persons reports within the High Desert region and surrounding jurisdictions.
