{"id":483939,"date":"2026-10-03T13:44:22","date_gmt":"2026-10-03T13:44:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/483939\/"},"modified":"2026-10-03T13:44:22","modified_gmt":"2026-10-03T13:44:22","slug":"missing-men-identified-after-bodies-discovered-in-california-graves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/483939\/","title":{"rendered":"Missing men identified after bodies discovered in California graves"},"content":{"rendered":"

The bodies buried in shallow graves<\/a> in the California desert have been identified as two men who vanished weeks ago, deepening a chilling double-homicide mystery.<\/p>\n

The remains of Edward Perez, 46, and Ricky Phillips, 61, were discovered at a remote Lancaster property<\/a> after a massive law enforcement search kicked off Tuesday near where the men disappeared in mid-September.<\/p>\n

The two men, both from the Lancaster area<\/a>, were found buried near 50th Street East and Avenue F, on a sprawling property littered with debris, RVs and what appeared to be the remains of an old greenhouse.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSign up for the California Morning Report newsletter\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tThanks for signing up!\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

The remains of two people were discovered in a remote area of Lancaster on Tuesday. The case is being investigated as a homicide by the Los Angeles Sheriff\u2019s Department following a missing persons investigation. KTLA<\/p>\n

The remains of two people were discovered in a remote area of Lancaster on Tuesday during an investigation into a missing persons case. The Los Angeles Sheriff\u2019s Department is investigating the case as a homicide based on the circumstances surrounding the discovery. KTLA<\/p>\n

Perez was reported missing on Sept. 19. AV Scanner News<\/p>\n

Phillips was reported missing on Sept. 10 AV Scanner News<\/p>\n

Perez was reported missing Sept. 19, while Phillips vanished earlier, on Sept. 10.<\/p>\n

The Los Angeles County Sheriff\u2019s Department launched its search Tuesday and wrapped up the operation Wednesday, with aerial footage showing investigators digging into the ground near the greenhouse remains.<\/p>\n

Authorities said the case was being investigated as a homicide \u201cbased on the circumstances surrounding the discovery.\u201d<\/p>\n

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters <\/p>\n

California Post News: Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, X<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, WhatsApp<\/a>, LinkedIn<\/a>
California Post Sports Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, X<\/a>
California Post Opinion<\/a>
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!<\/a>
California Post App: Download here!<\/a>
Home delivery: Sign up here!<\/a>
<\/a>Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!<\/a><\/p>\n

The remains of two people were discovered in a remote area of Lancaster on Tuesday afternoon during an investigation into a missing persons case. The Los Angeles Sheriff\u2019s Department is investigating the case as a homicide. KTLA<\/p>\n

Officers searched through the property on Tuesday KTLA<\/p>\n

Investigators descended on the property in force, erecting a canopy where photographs and other evidence appeared to be collected. Cadaver dogs also joined the search as deputies combed the remote site for clues.<\/p>\n

But officials have yet to reveal how the men died or whether anyone is suspected of killing them.<\/p>\n

Cadaver dogs helped officers during the search KNN News<\/p>\n

A large law-enforcement presence is gathered near the intersection of 50th Street East and Avenue F, northeast of Lancaster, California, as authorities conduct an extensive search of the area. KNN News<\/p>\n

The Los Angeles County medical examiner\u2019s records list the cause and manner of death for both men as \u201cdeferred,\u201d with no further details publicly available.<\/p>\n

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff\u2019s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t