October 16, 2017 - 10:53 AM
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. - The Latest on the search for a missing couple in a California desert (all times local):
10:45 a.m.
The father of a missing California man says he believes the bodies of his son and his son's girlfriend have been found in Joshua Tree National Park, near the area where the couple vanished while hiking nearly three months ago.
Officials have not yet confirmed the identities of the bodies discovered Sunday in the desert park. The cause of death was not immediately known.
But Gilbert Orbeso, who was with searchers when the discovery was made, tells KESQ-TV he believes they are Joseph Orbeso and Rachel Nguyen (n'wihn).
Orbeso and Nguyen, both in their 20s, were reported missing July 28, after they failed to check out of their accommodations near the park.
The couple's car was later found in the park.
Gilbert Orbeso says he hopes the discovery will bring the families closure.
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3:45 a.m.
Authorities say the bodies of two adults have been found in Joshua Tree National Park, near the area where a California couple vanished while hiking nearly three months ago.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said the bodies were found Sunday. Officials have not confirmed the identities of the bodies.
Rachel Nguyen (n'wihn) and Joseph Orbeso, both in their 20s, were reported missing July 28, after they failed to check out of their accommodations near the park.
Authorities said a ping from Orbeso's cellphone was recorded in the park a day before the couple was reported missing. The couple's car was later found in the northwestern area of the park.
Temperatures in the park had topped 100 degrees and it was unclear whether the couple had water and supplies with them.
News from © The Associated Press, 2017