Families Shaken After Human Remains Are Discovered at Long Beach Easter Egg Hunt
An Easter Sunday celebration at a Long Beach, California park took a disturbing turn when a person searching for hidden eggs stumbled upon a human skull partially buried in dense brush.
The discovery was made around 5 p.m. on April 5, 2026 at DeForest Park, located at 6255 De Forest Ave. A family was participating in an Easter egg hunt when they ventured into a brushy area of the park.
The family found the remains near a walking trail.
Officials later confirmed the skull was human. A mandible, or jawbone, was the only other remains recovered. The skull was described as small, suggesting it may belong to an infant.
The Human Skull Was Found In a Crowded Park
DeForest Park is a roughly 50-acre green space located approximately 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The park runs along the Los Angeles River and the 710 Freeway and contains a river parkway, walking trails, freshwater wetlands and open space for recreation.
On Easter Sunday, the park was described as very crowded, with families barbecuing and celebrating the holiday. The Easter egg hunt was an independent event, not organized by the city.
The Long Beach Police Department initially responded to reports of possible human remains. Officers cordoned off a portion of the park and placed a white canopy over the discovery site.
The LA County Medical Examiner’s Special Operations Response Team recovered the remains and transported them to the Forensic Science Center for examination.
On Monday morning, aerial footage showed investigators still scouring the scene. Some appeared to be carrying remains in evidence bags before leaving around noon.
The age, gender and cause of death have not been confirmed and the investigation is ongoing.
Community Left Shaken After Easter Egg Hunt Discovery
For residents who frequent DeForest Park, the discovery hit close to home. Several shared their reactions in the days following the find, expressing a mix of sympathy, shock and unease.
Resident Fernando Guzman expressed sympathy for any children who witnessed the discovery.
“I’m sorry for whoever’s kids that even saw that, you know? It sounds pretty bad,” Guzman told ABC7.
Gabriel Rivas, another resident, said the find made him reconsider his sense of safety at a trail he and his girlfriend frequent.
“My girlfriend and I walk past here all the time and run. We feel it’s a safe trail so … surprising. I’m going to have to think twice,” Rivas added.
Resident George G. called the discovery sad and disturbing, especially given the timing and circumstances.
“It’s just so sad what happened, and then on Easter Sunday. And then for kids to find it, that’s very disturbing,” George G told KTLA. “We’ve just got to leave it to the authorities, they know what to do. It was really crowded here yesterday. The whole place was full of people barbecuing, having a really good time.”
Jessica Flores, who lives nearby, described the heartbreak behind the grim discovery.
“I’m just beside myself because we come here all the time,” Flores told NBC4. “I just live down the street and take my grandson around here. It’s just heartbreaking. I hope they figure out who it is because there’s so much children that come to the park.”
As investigators continue their work, the park that served as a gathering place for Easter celebrations now sits at the center of an open investigation with far more questions than answers.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
