Body Found Buried In 'Recent Grave' On Family Property In North County

VALLEY CENTER, CA — Authorities were investigating "suspicious circumstances" after a family member was reportedly buried on private property in northern San Diego County.

Sheriff's deputies responded to a call at 5:46 p.m. Thursday about a family member who had died and was buried on the family's property in the 29000 block of Paso Robles Road in Valley Center, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

After arriving, deputies discovered what appeared to be a freshly dug grave, sheriff's Lt. Patrick Fox said. Because there was no record of the person's death, the sheriff's Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation.

Anyone with information about the case was asked to call the sheriff's Homicide Unit at 858-285-6330 or after hours at 858-868-3200. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous can contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.