YUCCA VALLEY, CA – A 60-year-old man is accused of killing his roommate, burying him in a shallow grave behind their home, and then traveling out of state where he allegedly assumed the victim’s identity. Cris Leroy Jones was arrested this week and charged with one count of murder in the death of 61-year-old Daniel Joslin, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies began investigating on July 3 after Joslin’s family and friends reported him missing, saying they had not seen or heard from him for about 10 days. His last known contact with loved ones was June 26. Early leads suggested Joslin might have gone to Oregon, but investigators found no evidence he had left California.
Remains found behind Yucca Valley home
The case shifted on July 29 when detectives obtained a warrant for the residence the men shared in the 58000 block of Carlyle Drive. During the search, authorities “located human remains in a shallow grave in the backyard of the residence,” according to the sheriff’s office. The remains were later identified as Joslin.
The discovery prompted a search for Jones, who was no longer at the home. Investigators began coordinating with law enforcement in Oregon after developing information that he may have traveled there.
Suspect identified at Oregon campsite
On July 30, a deputy with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office contacted a man at a campsite near Harriet Lake in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The man identified himself as Daniel Joslin and said he owned a nearby black Ford F-150 pickup truck. The vehicle registration matched the name provided.
A records check, however, showed Joslin had been reported missing in California. Deputies then learned California authorities were investigating his homicide and suspected the man at the campsite could be Jones. Working together, agencies “identified the individual contacted at the campsite on July 30 as Cris Jones,” and determined he “had been using Daniel Joslin’s identity and was driving Joslin’s pickup truck.”
Arrest in Mt. Hood National Forest
On Aug. 2, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Air Unit located Jones in the forest and guided SWAT deputies to his position. He followed commands and was taken into custody without incident, officials said.
A knife and sheath recovered from Jones’ front pants pocket were seized as evidence. Authorities have not stated whether those items are connected to Joslin’s death.
Jones was booked into the Clackamas County Jail and remained in custody as of Friday pending extradition to California to face the murder charge.
Cris Leroy Jones arrest, Daniel Joslin homicide, Yucca Valley murder case, Clackamas County campsite arrest, Mt Hood National Forest suspect
