Human remains found at a homeless encampment fire on December 31, 2020, have been identified as 34-year-old Carl Tyler Adams.

At approximately 6:54 a.m., the California Highway Patrol received reports of a brush fire on the shoulder of Northbound 99 just North of V Street.

Officers in the area responded and located the fire which involved a homeless encampment, hidden in a tall brush, CHP said.

Merced Fire Department personnel responded to the scene, when the fire was extinguished, human remains were discovered within the burned rubble.

California Highway Patrol Investigators and CAL FIRE Investigators responded to the scene to investigate the incident, CHP says they are investigating this case as a homicide.

The California Highway Patrol is requesting any witnesses with information to please contact any of the following investigators, Martinez (209) 356-6621, Villegas (209) 356-6631, or after hours, Merced Communications Center (209) 356-2900.