A hiker discovered the bodies of a couple previously declared missing on a Thousand Oaks, Calif., hiking trail in Ventura County at 6:52 p.m. on May 4, near the Sunrise and Autumn trails.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has opened a homicide investigation into the alleged murders following the discovery of the bodies. The two bodies have been identified as José Luis Perez, 64, and Stephanie Elizabeth Perez, 65, according to a Sheriff’s Office statement released on Facebook on Thursday, May 8. People contacted the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office, but did not receive an immediate response.
According to the sheriff’s office, the couple from Simi Valley, California, went missing for about ten months and lost contact with family in July 2024. They were reported missing when Stephanie’s employer requested a welfare check after she failed to log in remotely for work, according to the Simi Valley Acorn.
When authorities searched their home, they discovered the couple’s personal belongings—including money, passports, IDs, cellphones, and even their vehicle—had been left behind, according to the outlet. Detective Kevin VanFleet of the Simi Valley Police Department told the Acorn in September 2024, “We are concerned for their well-being, especially given their age and the hot weather the area has experienced since mid-July.”
Both died from gunshot wounds to the head. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Jose Luis’ death a suicide, while Stephanie Elizabeth’s death was determined to be a homicide, according to officials. An investigation into the motive for the alleged crime is still ongoing.
As of now, the alleged murder-suicide appears to be an isolated case. The sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit is investigating the case, and anyone with information about the deceased is asked to contact Detective DeLaCerda at 805-384-4724.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988, text “STRENGTH” to 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org.