Officials were digging in new areas near where the bodies were found. Photograph: Matt Rourke/APView image in fullscreenOfficials were digging in new areas near where the bodies were found. Photograph: Matt Rourke/APPolice search for additional victims as two bodies discovered in CaliforniaOfficials investigating missing persons case find bodies in remote area of Lancaster, north of Los Angeles
Law enforcement officials are looking for additional victims after two bodies were found on Tuesday in a remote area of Lancaster, California, a small city about 70 miles north of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Authorities found the bodies in a shallow grave while they were investigating a missing persons case, according to KTLA. Outside of the sheriff’s department investigating the discovery of the remains as a homicide, little is known about the two people who were found in the shallow grave.
On Wednesday, KTLA’s helicopter captured authorities and staff with the medical examiner’s office digging in new areas near where the bodies were found.
Lancaster is a city of just over 170,000 people, according to the most recent census data. The city is unincorporated and therefore under the jurisdiction of the county sheriff. Like much of the nation, Lancaster has seen a substantial decrease in homicides, with killings declining by 35% between 2024 and 2025, according to the city.
The Los Angeles sheriff’s department did not immediately respond to the Guardian’s request for comment on the case.
