EL MIRAGE, CA – A grim discovery was made in the remote desert community of El Mirage, California on Tuesday evening when authorities found the bodies of six individuals. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear.
At approximately 8:15 p.m., deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department were conducting a welfare check in the area when they stumbled upon five bodies. The location of the gruesome find was along Highway 395, situated between Lake Los Angeles and Adelanto.
The following morning, a sixth body was discovered at the same location, according to Mara Rodriguez, the spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Rodriguez confirmed that deputies were assisted by the California Highway Patrol’s Aviation Division during the operation.
The area was promptly secured as a crime scene, with a fleet of white police vehicles stationed outside the cordoned-off area. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the victims may have been shot, with images from the scene showing a navy SUV peppered with bullet holes. Yellow police markers were seen around the vehicle, and an additional vehicle was also found at the scene.
Rodriguez was unable to provide specific details about the victims, including age or gender, and the cause or manner of death remains undisclosed. However, the case is currently being treated as a homicide.
The scene was described as a remote desert area, with Rodriguez stating, “It’s going to be heartbreaking no matter what the situation is, what they discover out there as far as the circumstances surrounding it.” No arrests have been made as of yet.
Witnesses reported seeing multiple bodies on the ground surrounded by evidence markers and bullet casings. There were also reports that some of the bodies appeared to be burned. A police helicopter was observed flying over the crime scene.
Rodriguez expressed her shock at the incident, stating she cannot recall a similar situation where this many people were found dead in the community. Further updates are expected to be provided.