Human skeletal remains found in Joshua Tree National Park, investigation underway

An investigation is underway after San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department deputies found human skeletal remains in Joshua Tree National Park last week, according to a release issued by SBCSD on Monday.

The remains, which have not been identified, were reported in a remote area of the park on January 16 at 11:11 a.m. A Morongo Basin deputy responded to the location and sent photographs of the remains to a Coroner's Bureau official, who confirmed that they were human.

Specialized Investigations Division detectives and Coroner Division investigators responded to the scene, and secured it for the night. On the 17th, the "partial skeletal remains" were retrieved thanks to a joint effort from Crime Scene Investigators, Homicide Detectives, Coroner Investigators, and the Sheriff's Aviation Unit.

"Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective James Tebbetts or Sergeant Ryan Smith of the Specialized Investigations Division (909) 387-3589," read the SBCSD release. "Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or the We-Tip website."

Additional examinations are being conducted to determine the cause of death and identity fo the person. SBCSD did not specify where in the park the remains were found.