Karl Wayne Sharrah, 49, of Valley Springs, California, was found dead near North Edwards after a hiker discovered remains in January 2016 about four miles outside North Edwards off Claymine Road. The remains were severely decomposed; DNA confirmed the identity as Sharrah and the coroner ruled the cause of death multiple gunshot wounds, classifying it as a homicide.

Deputies who processed the scene found Sharrah’s severed head next to a shallow grave containing the rest of his body. Investigators say the body had been placed and buried by another person. In January 2019 additional human bones recovered in the Mojave Desert northeast of Dust Devil Avenue were later identified as belonging to Sharrah.

No arrests or suspects have been publicly identified and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office continues to seek information. If anyone has information about Sharrah, his movements before January 2016, or the area along Claymine Road and Dust Devil Avenue, please contact investigators.