Human Skull Found in Remote Desert Area Under Investigation by Homicide Detectives
DATE: April 22, 2026, at 7:30 a.m.
INCIDENT: Found Human Remains
LOCATION: Adobe Road and Baseline Road, Twentynine Palms
DECEDENT(S): Unknown
SUMMARY: On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 7:30 a.m., deputies from the Morongo Station were called to a desert area near the location for a report of human remains that were found. The reporting party was hiking in the area when he discovered what appeared to be an adult human skull. Deputies from Morongo Station arrived and notified the Homicide Detail.
The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail responded to the location and assumed the investigation. Detectives along with the Coroner's Division and Crime Scene Specialists conducted a search in the area and recovered the skull. The skull appeared to have been exposed for an extended period of time. An extensive search of the area was conducted. The remains will undergo forensic examination, while additional information is pending DNA results for the identification of the remains.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call or text “REPORT” to We-Tip at 844-909-3006. Online reporting is also available at https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.
Refer: Detective Ryan Grissom or Sergeant Bryan Sprague
Station: Homicide Detail
Phone No. 909-890-4904
Case No. DR# 092600646 / H#2026-044
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Headquarters
655 E 3rd St
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 909-387-3700
