Man, 63, Found Buried In Backyard After Wife Says She Couldn't Afford Proper Burial

APPLE VALLEY (CBSLA.com) — Apple Valley police are investigating after the body of a 63-year-old man was found buried in the backyard of his family home after his wife said he died and she could not afford a proper burial.

Deputies on Wednesday were called to the 16000 block of Navajo Road to do a welfare check on the man, Detective Brian Roper said.

Investigators determined after a brief interview with his 59-year-old wife that he had died several weeks ago.

The woman, who was described by police as "distraught", said she did not have the resources to give her husband a proper burial and laid him to rest in the backyard of the family home.

Sheriff's homicide investigators and coroner investigators checked the backyard of the home and located a male in a shallow grave.

Police say there was no sign of trauma to the body.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding the investigation is urged to contact the Apple Valley Station, Detective Brian Roper at (760)240-7400.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or leave information on the We-tip Hotline website.