EL MIRAGE, Calif. – An investigation is underway after authorities found the bodies of six people shot to death in a remote desert area near El Mirage.

The discovery was made on Tuesday evening when deputies responded to a welfare check off Highway 395 between Lake Los Angeles and Adelanto, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Mara Rodriguez. At first, officials thought there were five victims, but a sixth body was found during the investigation, Rodriguez said during a morning news conference.

The sex and age of the deceased are yet to be confirmed, and the circumstances surrounding their deaths are still unclear. However, the victims are believed to have been fatally shot, with some of their bodies showing signs of burning. The area where the bodies were found is about 15 miles north of Adelanto and 20 miles north of Victorville, and it is described as “incredibly desolate” by KTLA reporter Annie Rose Ramos.

The bodies of the victims were found scattered, with bullet casings and evidence markers surrounding them. Two vehicles were also at the scene – a dark-colored SUV with bullet holes and blown-out windows, and a light-colored van facing the opposite direction.

The investigation is ongoing, but no information about the victims’ identities has been released at this time. The Sheriff’s department helicopter has arrived at the scene to assist with the investigation.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has emphasized that no further details are available at the moment, but the investigation into this tragic incident is a top priority.