New homeowners in Apple Valley were met with an unexpected and troubling discovery after skeletal human remains were found in the backyard of a recently purchased Southern California home. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the remains, which were uncovered just days after the sale was finalized.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed deputies responded to the property on Crest Drive after receiving a report of possible human remains. Multiple bones were recovered, and the case remains under active investigation.
Discovery
According to KTLA, the remains were discovered by the homeowner’s 19-year-old son over the weekend. The woman, who identified herself as the new owner, said the find came after the home had already undergone inspection and appraisal.
Deputies were called to the scene late Friday night into Saturday morning. Investigators determined the remains appeared to be human, prompting a response from the sheriff’s department and the coroner’s office.
Investigation
Sheriff’s officials said several bones were collected from the backyard. At this stage, investigators reported there were no obvious signs of trauma. The coroner will conduct an autopsy, and DNA testing will be used to help identify the individual.
Authorities have not said how long the remains may have been there or whether the death is believed to be suspicious. Detectives are also reviewing records to determine whether any missing person cases may be connected to the property.
Neighborhood
Longtime neighbors Edward and Pamela Sanchez said the discovery has been unsettling.
“It’s kind of scary,” Edward Sanchez told KTLA. “We’ve never had any problems.”
The couple said the home had been vacant for at least a year before the recent sale. They noticed increased activity only in recent weeks, when cars began appearing ahead of an estate sale.
“The estate sale was about two weeks ago,” Pamela Sanchez said. “Now, I’m surprised they didn’t see it then.”
Property History
Neighbors recalled that an elderly couple previously lived at the home. According to Pamela Sanchez, the husband reportedly passed away, and the wife later moved out. The house then sat vacant for an extended period.
Residents also mentioned that a welfare check had been conducted at the property at least a year ago, though no further details were available.
Investigators have not confirmed whether the remains are connected to the former residents or any past calls for service at the address.
Ongoing Work
Abraham Negret, who was hired by the new homeowner to do work on the property, said the discovery happened shortly after he completed an estimate.
“We did an estimate and I think a day later, they found something in the back,” Negret said.
Work on the property has continued, though with caution. “I feel nervous about knowing that we can find something else in that tree,” he added.
Public Help
KTLA asked the sheriff’s department whether anyone had previously been reported missing from the home. Officials said that question is part of the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Homicide Bureau of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
As investigators work to identify the remains and determine how they came to be in the backyard, the discovery has left many in the neighborhood seeking answers about the home’s past and the person whose remains were found.
FAQs
Where were the remains found?
They were found in the backyard of a home on Crest Drive in Apple Valley.
Who discovered the remains?
The new homeowner’s 19-year-old son discovered them.
Are authorities treating this as a homicide?
Investigators have not said and are still determining the cause of death.
How long was the home vacant?
Neighbors said the home was vacant for at least a year.
Who is investigating the case?
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation.
