A quiet stretch of Lancaster turned into a homicide scene on Thursday, Feb. 19, when a 40-year-old woman was found fatally shot in a field, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department opened an investigation. Deputies located the body near 140th Street East and East Avenue E, and the woman was later identified by the county medical examiner. Detectives have not released any information about a suspect or a possible motive as they continue to work the case.
Deputies were called out around 11:40 a.m. after someone reported a body in the field, according to CBS Los Angeles. The outlet reports the victim was identified by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner as Elena Kazenes, who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Local response and resources
The Lancaster Sheriff’s Station lists local contact numbers and community resources on the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department website. That page includes a non-emergency line at (661) 948-8466 for residents and reminds the public to dial 911 for emergencies.
Area violence and context
Lancaster and the broader Antelope Valley have seen several fatal shootings in recent months, heightening concern among residents and officials. NBC Los Angeles reported the Dec. 28, 2025, killing of a 19-year-old in Lancaster, one in a string of deadly incidents handled by investigators in the region.
In August 2025, three people were found shot to death near Lake Los Angeles in a case that prompted a multi-agency investigation, according to The Los Angeles Times. That incident and others have kept homicide detectives busy across Lancaster and neighboring unincorporated communities.
How to help investigators
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the Feb. 19 killing to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500, according to CBS Los Angeles. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to LA Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.
