Body Discovered in California Aqueduct in Lancaster Identified as Missing Person Minas Khacheryan

LANCASTER, CA, Oct. 3 (KNN) — A body was discovered in the California aqueduct in Lancaster late Monday afternoon prompting an investigation by authorities. The body has been positively identified as one of the two brothers missing after leaving Glendale last Friday to fish in the aqueduct.

The Sheriff’s Information Bureau reported early Tuesday morning, the body has been identified as Minas Khacheryan who was reported missing by family last Friday, Sept. 29.

“His last known whereabouts was fishing at the aqueduct with his brother Grigor, who is still reported as a missing person,” said the SIB.

“The search for Grigor will resume Tuesday morning at 7 a.m. by Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau, along with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Emergency Services Detail. Approximately two dozen divers will be utilizing sonar, and the aqueduct water flow will be controlled to facilitate the search. The cause of death of Minas is pending and will be determined by the Los Angeles County Corner’s Office. At this time, no foul play suspected,” stated the SIB.

California Highway Patrol officers alongside Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies were on scene at the aqueduct where a dead body was discovered in the water around 4 p.m., Oct. 2.

The aqueduct located on 195th Street West and West Avenue G, remains locked down by Lancaster deputies.

On Sept. 30, the department released a missing person bulletin for two men who were headed to the Lancaster area to go fishing. Grigor Khacheryan was last seen with his brother, Minas, on the 1000 block of East Chevy Chase Drive in the city of Glendale around 8 a.m. Friday Sept. 29, 2023

According to the LASD bulletin, Grigor is described as a male, other, 78 years old, 5’5″ tall,140 lbs. with gray/short balding hair and brown eyes. There was no identifying clothing description. It was also noted that Grigor had recent open heart surgery.

His brother Minas Khacheryan is described as a male, other, 86 years old, 5″4″ tall, 180 lbs. with gray/balding hair, blue eyes and a goatee, and unknown clothing description. The bulletin states he has a missing left eye and a heart condition.

This is a developing story.

Anthony Cheval, Video Journalist / KNN