I Discovered a Human Skull While Hunting Rabbits Near Los Angeles

A single dove drifted across the sky as Kent abruptly pulled his Tacoma to the side of a dusty road. We debated whether to continue hunting after hiking five miles earlier that morning in search of doves and jackrabbits, mostly unsuccessfully. Yet when the dove perched on a Joshua tree roughly 50 yards away, we grabbed our shotguns and approached, determined not to leave empty-handed.

As we spread out and moved closer, I casually noted Kents position to my right. Once we were within range, he signaled with a thumbs-up. I deactivated my safety, took a few more steps, and glanced at Kent againonly to notice something unusual: a pair of eyes staring back.

A New Hunting Companion

I had met Kent about a month prior, at the close of Californias 2022 quail and rabbit season. Our initial meeting felt like a fortuitous coincidence. I arrived at a hunting spot in the Angeles National Forest to find Kents truck already parked there. We introduced ourselves, bonded over shared interests, and exchanged numbers. As a newcomer to hunting in a state where less than one percent of residents participate, I was excited to have a companion for future trips.

Hunting in Antelope Valley

On March 13, 2022, Kent and I ventured to the Antelope Valley, about ninety minutes outside Los Angeles. Many familiar hunting areas had been replaced by solar farms, so we settled on undeveloped land scattered with Joshua trees and scrub brush. Despite several attempts, we returned to the truck empty-handed, having only spotted jackrabbits and doves.

The Macabre Discovery

The eyes I noticed turned out to be hollow sockets in a human skull lying on its side in the dirt. A wave of adrenaline and nausea hit me, reminiscent of my days reporting crime in New Orleans. Kent looked at me in confusion as I informed him of the skull. Initially skeptical, he soon realized I was serious.

Nearby, we also found a cane and a wallet among tattered clothing. Using my shotgun to examine the wallet, we discovered it contained a drivers license and credit cards. Recognizing the need to involve authorities, we refrained from further handling.

Authorities Arrive

After contacting law enforcement and sending a photo, deputies from the L.A. County Sheriffs Department arrived and confirmed the discovery. They explained that the area was often used for illicit disposal of bodies by local gangs. Our exploration later revealed additional human remains, including a spine showing signs of previous surgery.

The deputies documented the scene and allowed us to leave. Despite the severity of our find, the Sheriffs Department did not release any information publicly in the days that followed. Subsequent inquiries provided no updates, leaving the case shrouded in uncertainty.

Theories and Reflections

Kent and I often discuss possibilities, from accidental relocation by construction workers to darker, more sensational scenarios. A former police officer friend suggested a simpler, though grim, explanation: cases of elder abuse or neglect can result in abandoned bodies in desert regions.

Regardless of the circumstances, I hope the remains are eventually identified, providing closure to the family. The experience, while disturbing, strengthened the bond between Kent and me, though we are still yet to successfully hunt a dove.

Reflection on a Disturbing Discovery in Antelope Valley

What began as an ordinary hunting trip with a new companion took an unexpected and macabre turn. The moment I noticed those hollow eyes staring back at me, the peaceful surroundings of Antelope Valley were shattered. A human skull, discarded and partially buried in the dirt, left me with a sense of unease that still lingers. We had gone out that morning to pursue game, not to stumble upon what could only be described as a grim reminder of the dangers that sometimes hide in the most desolate corners of our world.

The discovery of the skull and nearby personal items—a wallet, cane, and the contents of a life reduced to memory—underscores the harsh reality of human tragedy that can often go unnoticed. Authorities confirmed the area as a hotspot for illicit activities, though no public updates have emerged on the case. The mystery surrounding the remains only deepens the sense of uncertainty, leaving us to speculate on the nature of this grim scene. Was it the result of an unfortunate accident, a crime, or something even darker?

Despite the disturbing nature of the find, this experience has fostered a sense of connection between Kent and me, a bond forged not just by shared interests, but by a shared encounter with the dark side of human existence. While we had set out in search of doves, we returned with far more than we had expected—both in terms of experience and reflection. As for the remains we found, I hope they are eventually identified, bringing peace and closure to those who may still wonder what happened to their loved one.

Sources:

• I Found a Human Skull While Rabbit Hunting Near Los Angeles