Skeletal remains of man, woman discovered on Ventura County trail

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. - An investigation is underway in Ventura County after the skeletal remains of two people reported missing last year were discovered earlier this week. 

What we know:

According to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, a hiker discovered skeletonized human remains on the Sunrise/Autumn trail in Thousand Oaks on May 4. 

The remains were identified by the medical examiner's office as 64-year-old Jose Luis Perez and 65-year-old Stephanie Elizabeth Perez, both from Simi Valley. 

According to the coroner, both Jose and Stephanie died from gunshot wounds to the head. Officials ruled Jose's death as a suicide, and Stephanie's death as a homicide.

The couple had been reported missing since July 2024.

Authorities believe this is an isolated incident. 

The investigation is ongoing.

What you can do:

Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the case to contact Detective DeLaCerda at 805-384-4724. Ventura County Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest and criminal complaint. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477).