The remains of three people were located at the site of a burned down home near Littlerock, but investigators have yet to determine whether the discovery is linked to the disappearance of three people in the same area earlier this year.
The remains were found shortly before 4 p.m. Thursday in the 30900 block of 106th Street East, in the unincorporated community of Juniper Hills, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigators said.
It was not initially clear if the remains were human or animal, but by Friday morning, Sheriff’s Deputy Joana Warren confirmed the remains had been identified as human.
Friday afternoon, authorities announced in a written statement that the remains are from three individuals.
The causes of death are unknown but are being considered suspicious, officials said.
Teams of investigators could be seen Friday afternoon digging and sifting dirt, and examining several locations on the property. The detectives remained at the scene after 10 p.m. despite rain that was falling.
Investigators have not said what led them to the property, but Marvin Rogers, who lives up the hill, said law enforcement showed up after he noticed some suspicious activity several months ago.
Rogers said he doesn’t know who lived in the burnt-out home and has never seen anyone on the property, so he was stunned when vehicles and other equipment began popping up there.
“Expensive stuff — jet skis, boats, new cars, a construction truck with a tractor on the back of it,” he told KTLA. “And then a few days later, all of a sudden the police show up and start taking all that stuff away.”
Rogers estimated that was about four months ago, but wasn’t sure.
Homicide detectives said they were interviewing persons of interest in the case, but would not provide further details.
In April, authorities issued a statement seeking the public’s help in locating three individuals from the Antelope Valley of Littlerock who disappeared under suspicious circumstances in January.
Jose Lara Paez, Cuauhtemoc Lara, and Julieta Arvizu lived together in Littlerock, but were reported missing by family members on various dates. None have been seen or heard from since Jan. 14, investigators said.
Police have not said if they believe the remains are connected to this case.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.