Overview

• Forensic tests by San Bernardino County confirmed the bear was made of synthetic latex with no human remains.
• Héctor Corona Villanueva faces charges for intentionally causing a false emergency and planting false evidence under California law.
• Authorities say the prank diverted critical emergency resources and risked delaying real calls for help.
• Creator Robert Kelly of Dark Seed Creations said he shipped the bear via Etsy without knowledge of his buyer’s prank.
• The incident has prompted calls for tighter oversight of hyperrealistic horror art sold online.