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6 people found dead in Southern California's Mojave Desert, authorities say

6 dead bodies found in the middle of desert road in San Bernardino County
6 dead bodies found in the middle of desert road in San Bernardino County 02:21

An investigation is underway after six people were found dead in a remote area of the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County Tuesday.

Authorities were called to an area located off Highway 395 in El Mirage, just 10 miles north of Adelanto, around 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday for a welfare check, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

When crews arrived at the scene, near Lessing Avenue and Shadow Mountain Road, they found five decreased individuals. During a press conference on Wednesday, officials said a sixth victim was discovered northwest of Adelanto in the morning. 

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Specialized Investigations Division also responded to help with the investigation.

No details were immediately released on how the victims died, although with SkyCal overhead, one of the cars at the scene could be seen riddled with bullet holes, surrounded by dozens of evidence markers. 

There was also no immediate information on a possible suspect.

"It's going to be heartbreaking no matter what the situation is, what they discover out there as far as the circumstances surrounding it," said sheriff's spokesperson Officer Mara Rodriguez. "Our investigators will continue to do their best to wrap this up quickly and get all the information possible to bring justice to those folks out there."

Anyone with information is urged to contact SBCSD's Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. 

El Mirage is located about 70 miles northeast of Los Angeles.   

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