John Doe # 86, a male, was found dead Tuesday, July 5, in the 44000 block of Valley Central Way in Lancaster, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Skeletal remains were found behind a closed business in the early morning, after the long Fourth of July holiday weekend, officials said.
Investigators have yet to identify the victim.
Coroner's officials said they have deferred a cause of death pending additional tests. Results will be available in at least six to eight weeks.
Anyone with information about the remains is asked to contact the sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500, or anonymously at (800) 222-8477.
[Update Jan. 12, 2012: Due to the state of the remains, investigators said they were unable to identify the victim or cause of death. The case was closed as undetermined.]
-- Los Angeles Times