Remains Confirmed as Runaway’s
The skeletal remains of a body found Tuesday near Landers were identified Thursday by the San Bernardino County coroner’s office as those of an 11-year-old Yucca Valley boy who ran away from home with a friend nearly three months ago, authorities said.
San Bernardino sheriff’s homicide Detective Dan Glozer said the youth, Robert Martinich, was believed to be the victim of a homicide, although the autopsy is not yet completed. The time of his death also is unclear.
Robert and Arthur Leroy Leftwich, 14, fled together Nov. 19 after both had argued with their mothers, deputies said. Arthur’s body was discovered Dec. 16 in a dry desert wash north of Yucca Valley.
Even though Robert’s body was discovered several miles away, Glozer said, investigators are considering the killings related.
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