California’s Weirdest Stories Of 2025

If 2025 proved anything, it’s that California seldom runs out of strange, and Patch reporters were there for every bizarre, unsettling and head-scratching moment.

Across the state, stories unfolded that felt less like hard news and more like something of a fever dream, even as they carried very real consequences for the people involved.

From mortuary mix-ups and cult murder cases to neon-blue wild pigs, fake cops and UFO believers gathering in the desert, the Golden State once again delivered a year’s worth of stories that felt stranger than fiction.

This year also saw odd trends in crime, including a heist or two of the very tiny but feverishly popular Labubu figurines.

Other stories were dark and disturbing, others oddly funny or inexplicable, but all shared a common thread: you couldn’t make them up if you tried.

Here’s a look back at some of the weirdest news Patch reporters uncovered across California in 2025.

Bay Area Mortuary Gives Father Son's Brain In A Bag Instead Of Clothes: Report

The mortuary handed the father a bag, which led to him dumping his son's brain matter directly into his washing machine

Grand Theft Labubu: $37K In Popular Figurines Stolen In CA This Week

Police reported recovering $30K in Labubu figurines bound for the black market the same week another crew robbed a store of thousands more.

Mysterious Death Surrounding SMC Body Found: Police

Police found a man alone and unconscious with serious head trauma, pronouncing him dead at the scene.

What to Know About The Neon Blue Wild Pigs Roaming The Bay Area

Wild pigs with “neon blue” flesh were recently discovered in California.
Toni:

Cult Members Carried Out Murders Of 4-Year-Old Child, Nashville Man In IE: Prosecutors

Timothy Thomas, 4, was killed in 2010, and Emilio Salem Ghanem, 40, was killed in 2023, prosecutors said. Murder charges were filed Monday.

Plot To Bomb Companies Across SoCal On New Year's Eve Thwarted In IE Desert: Feds
Four people with alleged ties to the Turtle Island Liberation Front were arrested in the Mojave Desert.

One Of 'Largest Known Collections' Of Child Pornography Linked To IE Man: CHP
The CHP investigation into Scott Raymond Cherko of Twentynine Palms began in June 2024. He was arrested this month.

Massive Gold-Mining Operations Proposed In The Inland Empire
A rising gold price and Trump policies that favor the domestic mining of minerals are reviving interest in California's historic industry.

Dirty Cops, Mafia Tactics: Riverside County Man Snared In Federal Investigation
Michael David Coberg, 44, of Eastvale, was once a deputy and helicopter pilot with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department. Prison now awaits.

Fake Cop Arrested In Hemet: PD
The suspect was "wearing a uniform closely resembling a local law enforcement agency, " and a duty belt with what appeared to be a Glock.

Murder Of Palm Springs Socialite: Ex-Attorney Sentenced To Life In Prison
The victim was fatally stabbed in the kitchen of his luxury 5,000-square-foot home. A few of his bones were later discovered along I-5.

Nurse From Lake Elsinore Suspected Of Sex With Unconscious Patient, More Victims Sought: RSO
Lauro Gonzalez Jr., 40, was arrested Tuesday during a traffic stop in the area of Interstate 15 and Temescal Canyon Road.

Sales Of Marvel Comics Memorabilia Land Corona Man In Prison
Mac Martin Anderson, 59, was sentenced last week by a federal judge.

Oh Whoops, Riverside County In Crosshairs Of Trump Administration
A document naming Riverside County a "sanctuary jurisdiction" has now disappeared from the Department of Homeland Security website.

'Largest Jewelry Heist In US History' Linked To 2 Inland Empire Men: Feds
The duo did not act alone when they stole from a Brinks truck in California, according to a federal indictment returned this month.

Husband Confesses To Murdering Wife, Digging Up And Raping Her Corpse

An LA County man has been convicted of killing his wife. He previously admitted to felony sexual contact with her corpse.

The Convoluted History Between Billionaire Behind SoCal Rail And Trump
The Brightline West project will see 218 miles of new track between Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga. Trump appears all in.

'Hanky Panky' In The Sky: Mile High Balloon Rides Across California

It could forever change how you look at sky-high hot air balloons, as pilots ensure "privacy" on these flights

8 Weird CA Museums To Visit

Nobody celebrates the unique like the Golden State. From a haven of crochet to mind-bending neon art, frolic in the odd.

Military Convoy Blocks Traffic On 91 Freeway

At least two freeway lanes near the RivCo and Orange County border were closed to traffic by the unusual display of military vehicles.

Missing Wife's Body Found On Halloween, Days After Husband Reports Her Missing From Their IE Desert Home

An extensive search for a Twentynine Palms woman ended when her body was found by her husband.

UFO Experts Descend On RivCo's 11th Annual 'Contact In The Desert'

The truth is out there, and the legends of UFOlogy are gathering in Southern California to discuss the theme "Event Horizon."

Drivers 'Followed By Drone' On RivCo Freeway

Drivers in Riverside County reported being followed by a drone flying overhead near cars.

CEO Of True Crime TV Company Added To FBI's Most Wanted List In $30M Scheme

The TV executive is accused of posing as an heiress in order to secure a $15 million bank loan.