Hiker on Calif. Trail Discover Bodies of Missing Couple, Police Reveal How They Died

The bodies of a couple previously declared missing were discovered by a hiker on a Thousand Oaks, Calif., hiking trail in Ventura County at 6:52 p.m., near the Sunrise and Autumn trails on May 4.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has launched a homicide investigation into the alleged murders upon the discovery of the bodies. The two bodies have been identified as José Luis Perez, 64, and Stephanie Elizabeth Perez, 65, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a statement posted on Facebook on Thursday, May 8. PEOPLE reached out to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office, but did not immediately hear back.

The couple from Simi Valley, Calif., were missing for approximately 10 months, and had lost contact with family in July 2024, per the sheriff’s office. They were reported missing when Stephanie’s employer requested a welfare check after she failed to log in remotely for work, the Simi Valley Acorn reports.

When authorities searched their home, the couple’s personal belongings, including money, passports, IDs, cellphones, and even their vehicle—were found left behind, the outlet reports. Detective Kevin VanFleet of the Simi Valley Police Department told the Acorn in September 2024, “We’re concerned for their well-being, especially given their age and the hot weather the area has experienced since mid-July.”

Both died of gunshot wounds to the head. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Jose Luis’ death a suicide while Stephanie Elizabeth’s death was ruled a homicide, officials confirmed to V.C. Star. An investigation into the motive of the alleged crime remains underway.

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As of now, the alleged murder-suicide appears to be an isolated incident. The sheriff’s office Major Crimes Unit is investigating the case, and anyone with information regarding the deceased is asked to call Detective DeLaCerda at 805-384-4724.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.