DATE: January 11, 2026, at 7:10 a.m.
INCIDENT: PC 187 – Murder
LOCATION: US HWY 395 / Buckthorne Canyon Road, Helendale
SUSPECT: Unknown
VICTIM: Adult female, 38-years-old, Identification Pending
SUMMARY: On Sunday, January 11, 2026, at approximately 7:10 a.m., deputies from the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to assist the California Highway Patrol regarding a suspicious circumstances call involving a possible deceased person. The incident occurred in a desert field located east of U.S. Highway 395 and north of Buckthorne Canyon Road, in the unincorporated area north of Helendale.
While the reporting party drove eastbound on Buckthorne Canyon Road, they observed what initially appeared to be a mannequin. Upon closer inspection, it was determined to be a deceased individual.
Detectives from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail, responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.
Detectives determined the body, that was located in a shallow grave, was found to be an adult female, 38 years of age. Identification is being withheld pending confirmation from the Coroner’s Division.
This is an ongoing investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.
Refer: Detective A. DeCecio
Station: Specialized Investigations Division - Homicide Detail
Phone No. 909-890-4904
Case No. DR# 072600134 # 2026-003
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
