A Piñon Hills woman who vanished after a late May walk was found dead June 30 in a desert area not far from her home, authorities said. The remains were identified as 55-year-old Loretta Pilitsis. Investigators have not released the cause or manner of her death, and the case remains under active investigation.
San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies were called to the 10600 block of Oasis Road around 8 p.m. on June 30 after someone reported finding a body, according to a press release cited by the Los Angeles Times. Deputies identified the remains as Pilitsis and opened a death investigation. Officials have not shared additional details about the circumstances or how she died.
Pilitsis had been reported missing on May 25 after she left her residence on the 900 block of Locust Road to go for a walk and never returned, according to the Victorville Daily Press. At the time, sheriff’s aviation units and K-9 teams searched the surrounding area but did not locate her. Family members told reporters she left her phone, wallet and keys behind at home.
Investigation Ongoing as Deputies Seek Tips
The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division is leading the probe and is asking for the public’s help. Anyone with information is urged to call (909) 890-4904 or text “REPORT” to We-Tip at (844) 909-3006, according to the Los Angeles Times. Officials said they will release more information as it becomes available and have not yet announced whether the coroner has determined a cause or manner of death.
What Still Is Not Known
Authorities have not said why Pilitsis ended up in the desert area where her body was found or how long she may have been there. Neighbors and friends were stunned by the discovery after weeks of uncertainty, and family members had organized searches and public outreach while she was missing, the Victorville Daily Press reported. Anyone with information can also contact the Victor Valley sheriff’s station at (760) 552-6800.
