Following Parsons' death and in order to fulfill his desires, Kaufman and Martin impersonated workers of a mortuary at Los Angeles International Airport. After declaring they were hired by Parsons' family, Western Airlines released the body to them. The pair took it to Joshua Tree in Martin's personal Cadillac Hearse and set it on fire. The burning casket was reported by campers to the local authorities, who investigated the incident and identified both perpetrators.