California’s desert mystery: missing men found in shallow graves as investigations continue into their disappearances
The men were reported missing in mid-September.
The search for two missing men in Lancaster, California, has ended with both men found in shallow graves. Investigators located the bodies a few blocks from where one of the men went missing.
The graves were in a remote area near 50th Street East and Avenue F. Investigators found them among debris, RVs, and the remnants of a structure that may once have been a greenhouse.
After a medical examiner identified the remains as Edward Perez and Ricky Philips, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department began investigating their deaths as homicides. Philips, 61, was reported missing on September 10, and Perez, 46, was reported missing on September 19.
No cause of death has been revealed
Right now, the medical examiner’s records list the cause of death for both Perez and Philips as deferred, which means that the initial examination has been done, but the findings require more testing or investigation.
Aerial footage shows investigators and cadaver dogs gathering evidence at the remote site. The debris scattered across the area includes furniture, wood, tires, and other discarded items. This use of cameras likely makes residents feel safer, unlike the residents of Florida who learned about a series of unpermitted Flock cameras operating in their area.
No connection between the two men has been made public
Much about the disappearances and deaths of Perez and Philips remains unknown. Aside from both men living in the Lancaster area, no link between them has been made public. This brings additional difficulties to the investigation, as it provides fewer leads to start with, unlike a case in New York where the bystanders who witnessed a stabbing chased the suspect.
The investigation remains in its early stages, and no further details have been released. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.
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