2 missing Lancaster men ID'd after human remains found on remote property
Missing persons ID's after bodies found in Lancaster
The remains of Edward Perez, 46, and Ricky Phillips, 61, were discovered at a remote Lancaster property after a massive law enforcement search kicked off Tuesday near where the men disappeared in mid-September.
LANCASTER, Calif. - Detectives investigating a missing persons case have discovered the remains of two men in a remote area of Lancaster.
Authorities have since confirmed their identities as local residents who were previously reported missing, launching a homicide investigation into the incident.
What we know:
Investigators with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded Tuesday morning to the area of 50th Street East and Avenue F.
Law enforcement personnel were seen digging and utilizing cadaver dogs to search the location for several hours, ultimately discovering human remains.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has identified the individuals as 61-year-old Ricky Phillips and 46-year-old Edward Perez, both from the Lancaster area.
What we don't know:
The cause of death for both men has not been released by authorities.
While both individuals had been reported missing, officials have not determined how the two men are connected to one another, if at all.
Officials also could not comment on the owner of the property where the remains were uncovered.
What's next:
A homicide investigation is currently underway as detectives work to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of both men and gather further evidence from the scene.
What you can do:
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the sheriff's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.
The Source: This report is based on information provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. City News Service contributed.