Remains found in a southern California desert are that of Lauren ‘El’ Cho, a New Jersey woman who disappeared in June, officials said Thursday.
Cho, 30, was last seen on June 28 leaving a home where she was staying at an Airbnb in the Yucca Valley, about 30 miles north of Palm Springs.
‘The cause and manner of death is pending toxicology results,’ a statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office said.
‘No further information will be released on this case until such time toxicology results are available and new information is discovered as a result.’
Cho was first reported missing at around 5 p.m. on June 28, after her ex-boyfriend, friends and others staying at the Airbnb with her said she departed in a state of agitation with no food, water or phone.
A search warrant was served on July 31 at the home and in surrounding areas in addition to extensive aerial and ground searches, according to authorities.
Human remains were discovered October 9 in ‘the rugged terrain of the open desert of Yucca Valley,’ according to the sheriff’s office. They were then transported to the county coroner.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Specialized Investigation Division became involved in late September after local investigators ‘exhausted their investigation,’ NBC news reported.
No arrests have been made in connection with Cho’s disappearance
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