SBSD – Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Department
DECEDENTS: Rachel Nguyen, age 20 of Westminster and Joseph Orbeso, age 22 of Lakewood
On Sunday, October 15, 2017, at 1:50 pm, Sheriff’s dispatch received a call from a park ranger at the Joshua Tree National Park regarding two deceased persons located inside the park. Deputies from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station were flown to the area as it was not accessible by vehicle, and was described as a steep canyon to the far north of the Maze Loop Trailhead.
Due to suspicious circumstances and visible injuries to the decedents, detectives from the Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail were requested to respond to the location. Due to loss of daylight, additional investigation and the recovery of the bodies was postponed until Monday, October 16th. Continue reading