As the investigation continues in the case of six bodies found in the San Bernardino desert, law enforcement sources are indicating the killings were “cartel signature killings” likely tied to marijuana grows in the area.
On the evening of January 23rd in a remote area of the Mojave desert, one of the six victims of the gruesome killings discovered by San Bernardino County deputy sheriffs, made a 911 call requesting a wellness check.
The dispatcher communicated with the victim in Spanish. According to department sources, the victim was able to crawl to the north after being shot.
The victim told the dispatcher “they attacked me”, but refused to identify his attacker. According to sources, shortly after, the victim stopped groaning and the line went quiet. The victim appeared to have bled out after suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.
Shortly after, deputies responded to the request for a wellness check using a rough GPS location and made the grim discovery of the bodies alongside two vehicles, one riddled with bullets.
Sources say the five bodies found at the location were burnt beheaded and dismembered, indicating a cartel style killing and likely tied to local marijuana grow operations.
The sixth body, believed to be the 911 caller, was found the next morning.
Based on similar cases, sources say early indications are that the victims are likely Hispanic.
The area is well known for illegal marijuana grow activity run by Mexican and Asian cartels.
In February 2023, San Bernardino law enforcement served five warrants resulting in the seizure of approximately $2.5 million dollars in illegal marijuana plants and the subsequent discovery of a multiple large scale distribution operations.
The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department is expected to release more information in the case in a press conference next week.
