One of two people considered missing in the Morongo Basin area since July has been found dead in Anza Borrego Desert State Park.
An investigation by the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that John Fitzpatrick, 52, was found in the park located south of La Quinta and west of the Salton Sea.
Fitzpatrick was reported missing on July 30, and was believed to be traveling with Fang Jin, a 47 year-old Chinese citizen. Jin was reported missing on July 26, and she has not yet been located.
In August, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office said that Fang had hired Fitzpatrick as a tour guide to take her through the Morongo Basin and Joshua Tree National Park. It has been reported that they had a romantic relationship in addition to the business arrangement.
Both Fitzpatrick and Fang were considered to be “voluntary missing,” and no criminal case was opened into the matter.
A spokesperson for the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office told the San Diego Union-Tribune that the case surrounding Fitzpatrick’s death was under seal, and authorities could not comment on the ongoing investigation.
Previously reported:
