LANCASTER, Calif. — A 56-year-old Lancaster man has been arrested for the alleged murder of 42-year-old Iesha Massey, whose body was found wrapped and dumped on the side of a road last month, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).
Discovery of the Body
Massey’s body was discovered on the morning of November 19, 2025, near Challenger Avenue and Avenue E-8 in Lancaster. Street cleaners reportedly came across the body, which was wrapped in an unidentified material and left by the roadside.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed the victim’s identity as Iesha Massey, who had been reported missing by her family on October 16, more than a month before the grisly discovery.
Arrest Made in November Homicide Case
On Wednesday, the LASD announced that detectives had arrested Michael Lloyd Bates Jr., 56, in connection with Massey’s death. Bates was taken into custody in Lancaster on Sunday and is being held on $2 million bail. He faces one count of murder.
According to investigators, Bates and Massey had been in a past relationship, though detectives have not yet confirmed whether they were still involved at the time of the killing.
Investigation Continues
Detectives from the LASD Homicide Bureau continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding Massey’s death. Officials have not disclosed how she was killed or how long her body may have been at the scene before it was discovered.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
As the Lancaster community mourns the loss of Iesha Massey, law enforcement continues working to uncover the full truth behind her death. Stay updated with HonkNews.com for verified developments as this homicide investigation progresses.