The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office launched a homicide investigation into the human remains found near a Thousand Oaks hiking trail this week.
The remains were identified as those of missing Simi Valley couple Jose Luis Perez, 64, and Stephanie Elizabeth Perez, 65, according to a May 8 sheriff’s office news release. The pair had been missing for close to 10 months and last had contact with family on July 16, the Simi Valley Police Department previously reported.
The couple both died of gunshot wounds to the head, according to sheriff’s officials. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Jose Luis’ death a suicide while Stephanie Elizabeth’s death was ruled a homicide, officials said.
Their skeletal remains were found by a hiker around 6:52 p.m. near the Sunrise and Autumn trails in Thousand Oaks on May 4.
The incident appears to be isolated, sheriff’s officials said.
The sheriff’s office Major Crimes Unit is investigating the incident and requests that anyone with information call 805-384-4724.
Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@vcstar.com.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Remains found on T.O. trail ID’d as missing Simi couple; homicide investigation launched
Reporting by Ernesto Centeno Araujo, Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
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