Skeletal remains were discovered near Sunrise Trail and Autumn Trail in Ventura County. A coroner's investigation has revealed that the two individuals, a man and a woman, died from gunshot wounds to the head, in what is now being treated as a murder-suicide case.
The victims have been identified as 64-year-old Jose Luis Perez and 65-year-old Stephanie Elizabeth Perez, both residents of Simi Valley. A hiker discovered the bodies on May 4, 2025, and quickly alerted the Ventura County Sheriff's Department of the grim find. According to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, after the initial response by the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit, support was provided by units including Thousand Oaks Police Department, Sheriff’s Crime Scene Investigations Unit, Ventura County Search and Rescue, and the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency.
Following an examination conducted by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office, it was concluded that Jose Luis Perez's death was a suicide, while Stephanie Elizabeth Perez was listed as a homicide victim. The preliminary investigation suggests that this tragic series of events was confined to the two individuals, who were reported missing in July of the previous year. "This appears to be an isolated incident, as the subjects were known to one another and were both reported missing in July of 2024," according to KTLA.
Detective Robert DeLaCerda is actively seeking any additional information that could shed light on the circumstances leading up to the deaths. Ventura County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this incident, should further complications arise in the case. The caller may choose to remain anonymous, and the call will not be recorded. Tips can be submitted by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477).
