Human remains found in Yucca Valley backyard identified as missing man; roommate arrested in Oregon

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. — UPDATE 8/4: A missing person investigation in Yucca Valley has turned into a homicide case after investigators discovered human remains buried in a shallow grave behind a local residence and identified the victim as 61-year-old Daniel Joslin.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, detectives assigned to the Morongo Basin Station obtained a search warrant for a home in the 58000 block of Carlyle Drive on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The residence was shared by Joslin and his roommate, Cris Jones, 60-year-old, Resident of Yucca Valley.

While executing the warrant, investigators uncovered human remains buried in a shallow grave in the backyard. Detectives from the Sheriff's Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail responded to the scene and assumed responsibility for the investigation. Crime Scene Specialists and the Coroner's Division conducted a detailed search of the property before removing the remains.

The San Bernardino County Coroner later positively identified the deceased as Daniel Joslin.

As the investigation progressed, homicide detectives identified Jones as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant was issued, and on August 2, 2026, Jones was located in Oregon with assistance from the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.

Jones was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held pending extradition to California, where he has been charged with murder in San Bernardino County in connection with Joslin's death.

Authorities have not yet released details regarding the cause of death or a possible motive. Detectives say the investigation remains active, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Investigators are asking anyone with information related to the case to contact the Sheriff's Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact We-Tip by calling or texting "REPORT" to 844-909-3006. Anonymous tips may also be submitted online through the San Bernardino County Sheriff's reporting portal.

The investigation is ongoing.

Original report from July 28th, 2026

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. — Authorities are asking for the public's assistance in locating a 61-year-old Yucca Valley man who has not been heard from in more than a week.

According to the Morongo Basin Sheriff's Station, deputies responded to a missing person report on Friday, July 3, 2026, at approximately 7:31 p.m. after family members reported they had been unable to contact Daniel Howard Joslin for about 10 days.

Investigators said Joslin was last in contact with family and friends on June 26, 2026. While they received information suggesting he may have planned to travel to Oregon, investigators have found no evidence confirming that he made the trip. His current whereabouts remain unknown.

Joslin is described as a 61-year-old White male, standing approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing about 260 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes and is a resident of Yucca Valley.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is asking anyone who has seen Joslin or has information about his whereabouts to contact the Morongo Basin Sheriff's Station at (760) 366-4175.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can call or text REPORT to We-Tip at (844) 909-3006. Anonymous tips may also be submitted online through the We-Tip reporting system.

Authorities encourage anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward as the investigation continues.