The search for Joey Espinosa, 20, missing since Sunday, May 16, has been expanded into Joshua Tree National Park. A Park spokesperson said the National Park Service in partnership with San Bernardino County Sheriff, and the California Highway Patrol, is conducting a missing person search in the park. Espinosa, of Oceanside, was last seen by a family member who dropped him off 30 miles East of Twentynine Palms, he said he was answering a “Call from God” and walked south into the desert. Park staff became aware that he may be in the park on Sunday May 23 and began a search that day. He is believed to be alone. He is described as a Hispanic male, 5’8″ in height, 300 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark blue or black tee shirt with Matthew 4:4 on the back, black cargo pants, and black shoes. He was carrying a canteen. Joshua Tree rangers are asking anyone who may have seen or talked to Espinosa to please call or text the NPS Investigation Tip Line at 760-401-3075. Rangers request that anyone conducting a private search should cease so that they can assess the areas without contamination of physical clues necessary to this investigation.
