A Southern California woman’s recently purchased home in Apple Valley became the scene of a grim discovery when her 19-year-old son found skeletal remains buried in the backyard. The discovery occurred over the weekend at a property located on Crest Drive, only days after the sale was finalized.

The residence had undergone both an inspection and an appraisal prior to the sale, yet the remains were not detected at that time. The new homeowner reported that her son encountered the bones while outside, prompting authorities to respond. Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department arrived at the scene late Friday night into early Saturday morning after receiving a call about the human remains.

Investigators recovered multiple bones from the backyard, although officials noted there were no visible signs of trauma on the remains. The bones have been sent to the county coroner’s office for further examination, including DNA testing, as detectives continue their inquiry into the origins and identity of the remains.

Longtime neighbors Edward and Pamela Sanchez described the discovery as unsettling. They said the house had been vacant for at least a year before the recent purchase but noted increased activity at the property in recent weeks. The couple mentioned an estate sale occurred roughly two weeks prior to the find and expressed surprise that the remains were not noticed then.

Neighbors also recalled that the previous occupants were an elderly couple who lived in the home before it became vacant. They remembered authorities conducting a welfare check at the residence approximately a year ago while the elderly couple still lived there.

The investigation into the skeletal remains is ongoing, with officials working to determine how long the remains have been buried and the circumstances surrounding the discovery.