EL MIRAGE, Calif. – In a remote dirt crossroads in the Mojave Desert, a gruesome discovery was made on Tuesday night. Six bodies, likely the victims of fatal gunshots, were found near two vehicles, one of which was riddled with bullet holes, according to authorities.
The bodies were found around 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday when deputies responded to a welfare check off Highway 395, approximately 25 miles northwest of Victorville in San Bernardino County.
Initially reported as five victims, a sixth body was discovered during the investigation, according to sheriff’s spokesperson Mara Rodriguez.
The sex and age of the victims have not been confirmed, and the circumstances surrounding their deaths are also unconfirmed. However, reports from the Victor Valley News Group suggest that the victims had been fatally shot.
The bodies were found near the vehicles with evidence markers and bullet casings surrounding them, as shown in Sky5 footage. Some of the bodies also showed signs of burning. One vehicle, a dark-colored SUV with an Oregon license plate, was heavily damaged by bullet holes, while the other vehicle, a light-colored minivan, appeared undamaged.
No information about the identities of the victims has been released, and authorities remained on the scene Wednesday evening. KTLA reporter Annie Rose Ramos emphasized the desolate nature of the location, describing it as incredibly isolated.
As of now, authorities have not revealed if any suspects are being sought in connection with the deaths. The investigation is ongoing.