McStay Family Update: Remains found in Mojave Desert those of Calif. family missing since 2010, authorities say
(CBS) SAN DIEGO - Human remains found in shallow graves in the Mojave Desert are those of Joseph and Summer McStay, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department confirmed Friday.
PICTURES: McStay family missing
Authorities believe the other remains discovered are that of the couple's two sons - Gianni and Joseph Junior. However, DNA testing will be conducted to positively identify the children.The manner of death has been determined to be homicide, however the investigation is still ongoing and the cause of death has not been released. No suspects have been identified.
Michael McStay, Joseph's brother, spoke at the news conference through tears.
"It's not really the outcome we were looking for... but it gives us courage to know that they're together and they're in a better place," he said. "It's been a tough road."
He said he wants the individual or individuals behind this to be brought to justice.
The McStay family went missing from their home in Fallbrook, Calif. in February 2010, leaving behind their dogs and food on the counter. The family's 1996 Isuzu Trooper was found abandoned four days later in San Ysidro, near the U.S.-Mexico border.
In 2012, the San Diego Sheriff's Department ruled that the family voluntarily went to Mexico on their own.
The family's remains were identified after an off-road motorcyclist reported coming across bones Monday on the outskirts of Victorville, near Interstate 5.
Victorville is in the high desert, about 60 miles northeast of Los Angeles.