Police seeking clues, ID of fire victim

REDLANDS – Investigators believe foul play to be involved in the case of a yet-to-be identified body found charred in a field off Interstate 10.

The body was discovered by firefighters responding to a vegetation fire at the Wabash Avenue exit on Feb. 23. The victim has been described as a Native American male in his 30s through 50s, who stood between 5-9 and 5-11, and weighed 220 to 250 pounds.

Detectives believe he may have had a muscular build and wore his hair short. He also reportedly wore corrective lenses for severe nearsightedness.

Also of note was the victim’s distinctive belt buckle, believed to showcase the figure of a Zuni Indian Rainbow Man.

He was also wearing Anchor blue jeans with a 40-inch waistline and 30-inch inseam, and an extra large long-sleeve Van Heusen polo shirt.

Investigators are hoping that newly released photos of the man’s teeth and belt buckle will aid in his identification.

“Because the victim’s body was found along westbound Interstate 10, we are concentrating on areas along the I-10, east of Redlands, including desert communities in California and neighboring states,” said Redlands police spokesman Carl Baker.