$10,000 Reward in Murder of Lake Los Angeles Woman, LA County Approved Today.

Palmdale, CA — November 10, 2026 — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $10,000 reward Tuesday for information that could help solve the murder of 40-year-old Elena “Rae” Kazanes, whose body was discovered earlier this year in a remote desert area of Lake Los Angeles.

The reward was introduced by Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger and is intended to encourage witnesses or anyone with information about the killing to come forward.

“Elena Kazanes’ life was taken in a horrific act of violence, and her loved ones deserve answers,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “Someone out there knows what happened to her, so I’m hopeful this reward will encourage that person to come forward and help bring those responsible to justice. Elena deserves justice. Those who took her life must be held accountable.”

Body Discovered in Remote Desert Area

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded on February 19, 2026, at approximately 11:21 a.m. to a dirt access road about one mile east of 140th Street East near East Avenue E in the unincorporated community of Lake Los Angeles.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered Kazanes’ body in an isolated desert location. Investigators reported visible signs of trauma.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later determined that Kazanes died from gunshot wounds, confirming her death was a homicide.

Investigators Seek New Leads

Nearly nine months after the discovery, investigators continue seeking information about the circumstances surrounding Kazanes’ death and the individuals responsible.

Detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau believe there may be people who know what happened but have not yet contacted authorities.

The newly approved $10,000 reward offers a financial incentive for information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of those responsible.

Authorities hope the reward will encourage individuals with previously undisclosed information to assist investigators in bringing the case closer to a resolution.

Community Urged to Help Bring Justice

The killing has left unanswered questions surrounding what happened to Kazanes and who was responsible for her death.

Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area around February 19 or who has information related to the case to contact investigators.

Even information that may seem insignificant could potentially help detectives establish a timeline or identify those involved.

How to Submit Information

Anyone with information about the murder of Elena “Rae” Kazanes is encouraged to contact:

• LASD Homicide Bureau: (323) 890-5500

• Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers: (800) 222-TIPS (8477)

• Anonymous online tips: www.lacrimestoppers.org⁠

Tips may be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no arrests were announced in the information provided with the reward announcement.

AV Daily News will continue following developments in this case as authorities work to identify those responsible and bring justice to Elena “Rae” Kazanes and her loved ones.