A holiday tradition turned into a grim discovery in Long Beach, California, after a family found a human skull in Long Beach during Easter egg hunt activities on Sunday afternoon. The remains were located in the vicinity of DeForest Park and Wetlands, prompting an immediate law enforcement response and the launch of a forensic investigation.
Police were dispatched to the 5900 block of De Forest Avenue at approximately 5 p.m. On Sunday, April 5, 2026, after receiving reports of the discovery from CBS LA. The discovery occurred just feet from the entrance of the park’s walking path, an area frequently used by local residents for exercise and daily walks.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office was called to the scene to assist in the recovery. By Monday afternoon, authorities confirmed that the recovered items—specifically a human skull and a jawbone—were indeed human remains. The remains have since been transported to the Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center in Los Angeles for detailed examination.
While initial reports from family members suggested the remains might belong to a small child, the Medical Examiner’s Office has clarified that they have not yet been able to identify the age or gender of the individual. Police have stated that details regarding the investigation remain limited at this time.
Investigation at DeForest Park and Wetlands
The discovery has cast a shadow over DeForest Park and Wetlands, a river parkway known for its freshwater wetlands, native plants, and recreational trails according to the City of Long Beach. The site serves as a critical wildlife habitat and flood control area, while providing the community with interpretive signage and walking paths.
Witnesses at the scene described a distressing atmosphere following the find. Marc Zaldana, who was walking along the path at the time, reported seeing the family “freaking out” shortly after the discovery was made. Aerial footage of the scene showed brightly colored Easter eggs remaining on the path near the area where the skull was partially excavated from the ground. Officers were observed covering the site with a canopy to preserve evidence.
About the DeForest Park Area
DeForest Park is a significant community asset for North Long Beach. The site consists of a 15-acre park and an adjacent 34-acre wetlands area as detailed by City Fabrick. The park provides essential recreational space for a neighborhood that has historically had less park access than other parts of the city.
The facilities at DeForest Park include:
- Sports courts and recreation fields
- A community center and playground
- Equestrian trails and youth programs
- An environmental learning center and youth campground
- Pickleball courts
The park’s design is intended to unify the wetlands to the south with the forested landscape to the north, connected by walking and bicycling paths—the very paths where the remains were discovered during the holiday weekend.
Forensic Process and Next Steps
The transition of the remains to the Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center is a standard procedure for unidentified remains in Los Angeles County. Forensic anthropologists and medical examiners will function to determine the identity of the deceased through dental records, DNA analysis, and an examination of the skeletal structure to determine age, sex, and potential cause of death.
Because the remains were found in a public park during a community activity, police are treating the site as a potential crime scene until the Medical Examiner can determine if the death was due to natural causes, an accident, or foul play. The fact that the remains were “partially-excavated” suggests they may have been buried or covered by sediment over time.
Key Details of the Discovery
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Discovery | Sunday, April 5, 2026 |
| Location | 5900 block of De Forest Avenue, Long Beach |
| Items Recovered | Human skull and jawbone |
| Reporting Agency | Long Beach Police Department |
| Forensic Site | Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center |
As the investigation continues, the Long Beach Police Department has urged the public to remain patient as they await the results of the forensic analysis. There is currently no information regarding missing persons reports that match the discovery, and officials have not yet named any suspects or persons of interest.
The next confirmed checkpoint in this case will be the release of the preliminary findings from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office regarding the identity and age of the remains.
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