Desert memorial for McStay Family

HEMET, Calif. (AP) – Friends and family have erected memorial crosses at the Southern California desert site where a family of four was found buried in shallow graves.

The Daily Press of Victorville says four white crosses were placed Wednesday in the barren area outside of Victorville where skeletal remains believed to be the McStay family were found last week. White doves also were released.

Joseph and Summer McStay and their two sons, ages 3 and 4, vanished nearly four years ago.

The parents' bones were found last week about 100 miles from their San Diego County home. Joseph would have turned 44 Wednesday.

Authorities say the two other skeletons are believed to be the boys but they are awaiting official DNA confirmation.

A local group received family permission to erect the crosses.