Authorities in San Bernardino County are investigating a bizarre incident involving a teddy bear that appeared to be wrapped in human skin, discovered outside a convenience store in Victorville. While initial reports caused alarm, officials now believe the incident was likely an elaborate prank involving a realistic prop.
Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department responded to the AMPM store on Bear Valley Road shortly after 12:05 p.m. on Saturday following a call about possible human remains.
“A coroner investigator has taken possession of the object, and the investigation is continuing,” said SBCSD Public Information Officer Mara Rodriguez.
Shocking Discovery Outside Store Entrance
Video obtained by KTLA shows sheriff’s deputies roping off the parking lot and a gloved coroner investigator examining the teddy bear, which was left just outside the store entrance. The bear was later carefully placed into a pink plastic evidence bag.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether surveillance footage from the store was reviewed to determine who left the object or when.
Artist Claims Responsibility
Soon after the incident gained attention, a Facebook post from a page called Dark Seed Creations appeared to take credit for the teddy bear, revealing it was likely a realistic latex prop.
“You can’t make this sht up! One of my skin teddy bears has apparently been involved in a prank that brought police attention! This is f***** wild!,” the post read.
The Etsy page for Dark Seed Creations lists a similar item described as a “human skin teddy bear,” made from latex and selling for $165.
Robert Kelly, the artist behind Dark Seed Creations, told KTLA that he had recently sold one of the bears to someone in Victorville.
“We make a lot of props that look like fake human skin. They’re made of latex from custom molds,” Kelly explained. “Our work is pretty well-known in the industry, so when this hit the news, my phone and Facebook started blowing up.”
Ongoing Investigation
While authorities have not issued a formal conclusion, early indications suggest the teddy bear was not wrapped in actual human skin and was part of a staged prank or art piece. The Sheriff’s Department has not commented further on the status of the investigation.
