Two people who had previously been reported missing were identified after their bodies were found buried at a remote property in Lancaster, California, during a homicide investigation Tuesday.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department homicide detectives were searching the property near 50th Street East and Avenue F while serving a search warrant connected to a missing persons investigation. Cadaver dogs were also brought in as investigators searched the large property.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the victims as 46-year-old Edward Perez and 61-year-old Ricky Phillips. Both men had been reported missing.
The LASD had previously classified Phillips as an “at-risk missing person,” saying his family was “concerned for his well-being.” Phillips was described as 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighing 230 pounds, with black hair and green eyes.
The bodies were discovered buried on the sprawling 15-acre property, where investigators continued digging and examining different areas Wednesday. Aerial footage showed detectives and crews working around several rundown structures, vehicles, trash and other debris on the remote property.
Investigators were also seen digging in a different area of the property Wednesday as the search continued. Authorities had previously said there was a possibility that additional human remains could be found because of the size of the property.
The property includes several rundown buildings and recreational vehicles, with aerial footage also showing mattresses, plastic tarpaulins, vehicles, a damaged speedboat and other debris scattered around the area.
LASD previously said the discovery was being investigated as a homicide based on the circumstances surrounding the remains. Investigators had declined to release details about the condition of the bodies or how long they may have been at the property.
Authorities have not identified a suspect or said who may have killed the men. It is also unclear whether the victims knew each other or had any connection to the property.