Skeletal remains found on Somis ranch

Ventura County Sheriff Department investigators and the FBI are investigating the skeletal remains of an unknown person found on a private Somis ranch last week, police said.

Although police believe the bones have been on the secluded ranch property in the 3400 block of Los Angeles Avenue for approximately 30 years, police are handling the case as a homicide investigation.

"If you don't treat it as a homicide, you lose your one opportunity for trace evidence," said Capt. Ross Bonfiglio, a spokesperson with the Sheriff's department.

According to Bonfiglio, workers were clearing trash from a ravine on the ranch property on the morning of Thurs., March 13 when the remains were discovered.

Armando Chavez, a senior deputy medical examiner with the Ventura County MedicalExaminer's office, said the sex and age of the person have not yet been determined. He could not comment on whether a precursory examination of the remains indicated a cause of death.

Bonfiglio said pieces of clothing were found nearby the relatively intact skeleton but said the pockets did not contain any identification.

Police have concluded, however, the remains were not those of Chumash Indians, which are periodically uncovered in sites throughout the county.

Because of their expertise in handling similar cases, Bongiflio said FBI agents from both the Ventura and Los Angeles field offices were called to the scene. Bonfiglio said the case is currently being handled by the major crimes unit. Police are asking anyone with information regarding the case to call (805) 477-7000.