BIG BEAR, Calif. (KTLA) — Remains found in a burned cabin have been positively identified as those of fugitive ex-cop Christopher Dorner.
“The charred human remains located in the burned out cabin in Seven Oaks have been positively identified to be that of Christopher Dorner,” the San Bernardino County Sheriff and coroner’s office said in a written statement.
“During the autopsy, positive identification was made through dental examination,” the statement said. No cause of death was given.
The charred body was found in the rubble of the cabin that burned down after a dramatic gun battle Tuesday afternoon.
Dorner’s last stand with law enforcement came after a gun battle with San Bernardino deputies that brought his death toll up to four.
Dorner seriously wounded one deputy and killed another. Deputy Jeremiah MacKay leaves behind a wife and two young children.
“The deputy sheriffs that responded to this active shooting scene yesterday were absolutely true heroes,” Sheriff John McMahon said.
“It was like war zone, and our deputies continued to go into that area and try to neutralize and stop the threat,” he added.
McMahon has denied that deputies intentionally started the fire at the cabin.
Deputies were recorded on police radio calling on a plan to bring burners into the home
“I can tell you that it was not on purpose,” McMahon told reporters. “We did not intentionally burn down that cabin to get Mr. Dorner out.”
“Pyrotechnic-type canisters are commonly referred to as burners,” he clarified.
The department has also faced questions about how Dorner hid in another cabin –possibly for days — during the hunt for him.
The cabin was within eyesight of the deputies’ central staging area and in a place where officers searched, knocking door to door.
“I can tell you that the cabin in question had not been rented out since February 6,” said Deputy Chief Steve Kovensky. “As I said, there was an extensive search in that area of the cabins.”
Meantime, it remains unclear who — if anyone — stands to collect the $1.2 million reward that had been offered for information leading to Dorner’s capture and conviction.
The money is now in question because Dorner is dead and so he will not be tried.
The reward money is being discussed by L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck.
Both men issued statements on Thursday saying more than 20 jurisdictions and entities are involved in the reward.
They say all of them will be coming together to collectively determine whether any individual or individuals qualify.
126 Comments to “Burned Remains Identified as Christopher Dorner”
February 15, 2013 at 5:04 PM
The problem with this situation isnt that Dorner wasnt guilty and deserved punished. But that Southern California law enforcement take it on themselves to enacted punishment being judge, jury and excutioner. "On live tv with audio". No due process. This situation should concern "every single person" living in California when law enforcement becomes and acts like the Gestapo or kkk. Dont forget about the young red haired homeless man Kelly Thomas beaten and murdered July 2011 by law enforcement recorded on video as well. When you have law enforcement with no accountability you have a serious problem.
February 15, 2013 at 5:09 PM
That fire was so hot and burned so long comparable or hotter than a cremation. There would nothing left "no teeth" only ashes!!
February 15, 2013 at 5:14 PM
They have lied about "everything". Shooting up the paper ladies with 100 plus bullets. The fire and now the Million dollar reward. Geez people snap out of it they're corrupt liars!
February 15, 2013 at 5:41 PM
When even one persons rights and civil liberties are ignored and violated "everyone's" rights are in danger. Remember that.
February 15, 2013 at 5:55 PM
Defend LAPD's actions this past week if you want. We know they arent all bad. But they basically shut down and went on strike the last 10 days protecting 50 individuals. No one missed them. Obviously you have never been robbed or had to call for assistance. Their response time is unacceptable many times they're arrognant and rude. Their only concern is the inconvenience and if they missed 12 oclock at McDonalds and their Big Mac.
February 15, 2013 at 7:12 PM
As far as public opinion of what happened with Dorner.People from all over the United States are weighing in on how corrupt LAPD and San Bernardino Sheriff's are as far away as Florida, Virginia and New York. They might have a long reaching arm to shut people up but its not that long.
February 15, 2013 at 11:07 PM
Throw his remains out in the ocean. He deserves nothing more. He was a coward, cop killing son of a bitch. I only wish the cops could have put a lethal bullet in him instead of the slimeball killing himself. I knew once he was surrounded he wasn't going to give up at all. Then when the cabin was on fire, that was the end of the bastard. YEAAAAAA!
To the families of the victims her were killed and injured, to EVERYONE in law enforcement in Ca. and throughout this country, I AM VERY SORRY. This was HORRIBLE on all of you. I hope sometime, with time and comfort, your lives will be "better." As well as they can ever be. My thoughts are with all of you.
February 15, 2013 at 11:16 PM
KTLA, remove the prick's picture.
February 16, 2013 at 12:35 PM
hmmm, roasted negga toes
February 17, 2013 at 5:53 PM
I don't trust those LAPD!!