A recent home purchase in Apple Valley, California, has taken a disturbing turn after the new owner's son discovered human skeletal remains buried in the backyard. The grim finding occurred just days after the woman took possession of the property on Crest Drive, despite the home having passed both an inspection and an appraisal.
Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department responded to the residence Friday night into Saturday morning after the report of discovered remains. Investigators recovered multiple bones from the backyard. Authorities stated there were no immediate signs of trauma, but the remains have been sent to the coroner for an autopsy. Detectives are also awaiting DNA results to help identify the individual.
The house had reportedly sat vacant for at least a year before its recent sale. Neighbors noted increased activity in recent weeks, including preparations for an estate sale that took place approximately two weeks prior to the discovery. An elderly couple had previously lived at the property before it became vacant, with neighbors recalling that the husband passed away first, followed by the wife moving out.
Abraham Negret, who had been hired by the new owner to provide an estimate for work on the home, said he had visited the property the day before the discovery. He acknowledged feeling uneasy about the find, stating, "I feel nervous about knowing that we can find something else in that tree."
Neighbors also recalled that authorities had conducted a welfare check at the home at least a year ago when the previous elderly residents were still living there. The investigation into the remains is ongoing.