Judith Ornelas, a Victorville resident, had been dead for more than a year at the time of the discovery on July 8, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
Four people are facing charges in the case. Jayson Weiss and Lori Rector were booked for murder; Louis Chacon and Alphonso Lozano were booked for accessory to murder.
"Detectives determined the suspects were friends of the victim at the time of her death," the Sheriff's Department said in a statement.
The investigation began when deputies responded to a report of a possible deceased body in the 15000 block of Sitting Bull Street. They requested assistance from a K9 unit, which "hit on the trash container," the news release said.
Ornelas' remains were found inside the trash can, which was partially filled with cement.