A body was found near the South Fork Trail at the mixing station on Highway 74 about 1 mile west of Mountain Center.
The victim, an adult male, appeared to be a drifter or homeless person, according to Riverside County Sheriff’s Sgt. Robert Duckett. No identification was found with or near the body.
The cause of death was not apparent because severe decomposition had already occurred. No evidence of foul play was seen on the body nor found near it. Until an autopsy is completed, the actual cause of death remains unknown and is being treated as an unattended death.
The body was found Sunday, April 8, and removed and taken to the Coroner’s Office Monday. The Sheriff’s Department kept the scene guarded overnight to allow a better investigation during the daytime, Duckett added.
