Missing men found dead in shallow graves in California desert as mystery grows

The bodies buried in shallow graves in the California desert have been identified as two men who vanished weeks ago, deepening a chilling double-homicide mystery.

The remains of Edward Perez, 46, and Ricky Phillips, 61, were discovered at a remote Lancaster property after a massive law enforcement search kicked off Tuesday near where the men disappeared in mid-September.

The two men, both from the Lancaster area, were found buried near 50th Street East and Avenue F, on a sprawling property littered with debris, RVs and what appeared to be the remains of an old greenhouse.

Perez was reported missing Sept. 19, while Phillips vanished earlier, on Sept. 10.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department launched its search Tuesday and wrapped up the operation Wednesday, with aerial footage showing investigators digging into the ground near the greenhouse remains.

Authorities said the case was being investigated as a homicide “based on the circumstances surrounding the discovery.”

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Investigators descended on the property in force, erecting a canopy where photographs and other evidence appeared to be collected. Cadaver dogs also joined the search as deputies combed the remote site for clues.

But officials have yet to reveal how the men died or whether anyone is suspected of killing them.

The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s records list the cause and manner of death for both men as “deferred,” with no further details publicly available.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.