On Monday, May 19, 2025, at approximately 5:16 p.m., deputies with the Morongo Basin station responded to a call for service regarding a deceased person located off Highway 247 and Bodick Road in Johnson Valley. When deputies arrived, they found the body of an adult female near a large group of boulders.
Detectives with the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division responded and assumed the investigation. The deceased has been identified as 86-year-old Lorraine Bird of Twentynine Palms. Bird was reported missing by her family on May 13, 2025. The cause of death is pending autopsy.
The area is known as the Johnson Valley Painted Rocks, or “graffiti rocks.” The area is popular with taggers, tourists, and illegal dumpers who have been known to use the area to unload garbage and trash.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Eric Rebollar, Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78-CRIME or www.wetip.com.
Previously Reported:
