Burnt Man’s Identity Remains Mystery

The man whose charred remains were found in a remote area of Palmdale was slain, possibly by a blow to the head, and then set ablaze to cover up the crime, sheriff’s homicide detectives said Saturday.

Sheriff’s deputies are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the victim, described as possibly Latino, between 16 and 30. He was 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighed about 140 to 150 pounds. He was wearing blue jeans, jewelry and a blue, short-sleeve golf shirt with three buttons in front.

The victim apparently was killed Thursday or Friday, doused with gasoline and set on fire, Sheriff’s Det. Mark Lillinfeld said. The body was so charred, medical examiners could not retrieve fingerprints, he said.

Detectives have determined the body was not that of a sheriff’s deputy who has been missing since June 11. The deputy failed to return from a daylong hike in the Devils Punchbowl Park.

A resident found the body Friday morning under a train trestle near a rock quarry at 62nd Street East and Avenue T in Palmdale. Anyone who may have information is asked to call (323) 890-5500.