A hiker in San Bernardino County found the remains Wednesday morning, which were later identified as a human skull, officials said.
The searcher was near Twentynine Palms around 7:30 in the morning when he noticed the unidentified remains. according to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Following the discovery, the passenger made an emergency call, and deputies from the Sheriff’s Morongo Basin Station confirmed the discovery and requested assistance from homicide detectives.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, the department dispatched detectives from its Special Investigations Division, along with investigators from the Coroner’s Division and other crime scene experts.
The skull was recovered during a search by the law enforcement group. Officials said it was exposed for a prolonged but undefined period.
The Sheriff’s Department said it would conduct a forensic investigation. The DNA collected at the scene is also being tested. The department did not respond to calls seeking more information.
The Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with information to call (909) 890-4904.
