Human remains found by hiker in a north-central Arizona wash

RIMROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Human remains have been found north of Rimrock in north-central Arizona. Yavapai County Sheriff’s officials said Tuesday that they are trying to determine if it’s a missing person from California.

They said a hiker reported finding the remains last Friday near Dry Beaver Creek in a small wash about 2 miles northwest of the McGuireville rest area.

Sheriff’s deputies said the human remains were in an advanced state of decay at the bottom of a sandy wash in thick brush.

The remains were turned over to the county medical examiner’s office and investigative technicians collected clothing and any potential evidence likely associated with the body.

Medical examiner investigators have indicated that a dental records check will be necessary to identify the remains.

Sheriff’s officials said detectives are aware of a missing person case out of West Covina, California in which the person’s vehicle was found abandoned by Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers on Sept. 23 at the McGuireville rest stop.