Found Deceased CA - Fang Jin, 47, flew to LA from China, train to Palm Springs, Morongo Basin, 21 Jul 2023, w/ John Root Fitzpatrick, 55, (fnd dec.), 30 Jul ‘23 #2

[LucyOso]

There's also a small canyon with some fairly well-known petroglyphs near the Winter Village. Interesting you should bring it up because I was just trying to find my petroglyph book to see what was out there. There's a reason it was a Winter Village, though.

You say it's 1.5 miles off the road, which is 3 miles round trip. At the peak of summer. At the edge of the Mojave, at fairly low altitude for some of it - the road goes at around 1000-1500' feet above sea level, and climbing higher doesn't make it cooler until one gets to around 5000-6000' above sea level. It's very uneven terrain and the trail reports say the way is not clearly marked/not a regular trail (unmaintained, there are cairns that one has to be aware of).

HOWEVER, I was thinking - we don't know Jin Fang's personality. Is she the type who will select an interesting (or amazing) goal and absolutely think she has to complete it? The type who won't turn back if lost or overheated? Like, was seeing petroglyphs her Everest? Because then, yes, I can see how she would endure the heat and discomfort of getting there (if they went via the trail, wouldn't it have been 13 miles round trip? And is it even possible to go cross-country, off the trail? I have no clue).

It is definitely close enough to walk, but boy, would I not want to do it in 110-115 degree heat (and water alone won't keep a person safe). Death Valley advises tourists not to be out of their cars for more than 15 minutes when it gets to 115. They have people collapse (young people, old people, fit people, unfit people) every year. If you're only half a mile from a well touristed parking lot, you're probably okay (although both Joshua Tree and DV have deaths of that type every year). What would Jin Fang do if JRF (the driver and phone holder) plopped over of heat stroke? She couldn't lift him? Would she go for help? Would she think it advisable to go cross country? Did she know how to drive? Did she know the passcode to his phone?

What if it's the opposite (they walked out, she collapsed, he nearly dies, and collapses near the truck as he vainly attempts to get help?)

(Lots of scenarios given the heat and that we don't know the personalities. All I know is that nothing on Earth could make anyone I know go out to see those petroglyphs in July...)

Repost of news article:

Mystery surrounds missing San Bernardino man found dead in Anza-Borrego state park

EAST COUNTY — A mysterious death, a missing woman and many unanswered questions are at the heart of an investigation into a 52-year-old man found dead last month in Anza-Borrego Des…

www.sandiegouniontribune.com

IMO

It is quite possible they both succumbed to the heat. They went for a day trek and were ill equipped. It wouldn't be the first time it occurred. Happens a lot actually.

He could have left her to get to the truck to find help. And passed away. Heat, time, animals could make LE very cautious about cause of death. Hence sealed for now.

It is also possible this would have been an area that "should" have been searched based on his cell phone pings and was not. I am guessing a member of the public i.e. hunters, dirt biker riders, etc found the vehicle. Honestly depending how far away he was from the vehicle, sometimes vehicles get vandalized too. It could look suspicious, thus needed to be investigated.

 

[I'm Nobody]

Hopeful Fang's family will receive some answers now. I'm not ruling out an armed carjacking & kidnapping. Fang had cash; it could have been an armed robbery that went terribly wrong. We don't know if Fang & Fitz were more than friends after only being together seven days. Friends or lovers, I'd bet the ranch Fitzpatrick would fight to his death to protect Fang and/or his property from a few thugs. I googled Thermal carjacking; surprisingly for a small town there have been armed carjackers arrested in Thermal during August 2023 & September 2023. Not saying these armed carjackings are related but not totally convinced they are not or something like them didn't happen. Prayers up for answers. JMO

Not Fitzpatrick's but armed carjacking vehicle & kidnapping taken at one location & driven to Moreno Valley.
"August 26, 2023, at 3:30 a.m., deputies from the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station located a vehicle wanted in connection to an armed carjacking and kidnapping in the City of San Bernardino."

Pursuit of Armed and Dangerous Carjacking Suspect

www.riversidesheriff.org

AND September 12,2023:
"A suspect accused in an armed carjacking Tuesday in La Quinta was later found and arrested in Thermal, authorities said."

Suspect arrested after armed carjacking in the Citrus area of La Quinta

A suspect accused in an armed carjacking Tuesday in La Quinta was later found and arrested in Thermal, authorities said. The crime was initially reported at around 3:10 p.m. around the area of the Citrus Country Club near Jefferson Street. "Upon arrival, deputies confirmed the victim’s vehicle...

kesq.com

 

[nao]

I can't let go of the fact Fang stopped communicating with loved ones late 7/21. Had she been travelling and visiting the next locations, photos would have been uploaded...following the pattern of the previous week. She loved recording all the new sights around her and uploaded a LOT in that first week.

I believe JRF passed around 7/24-26. Dental records were deemed essential for a positive ID since his remains were so decomposed which is not surprising in that location. IMO cod might be undetermined, maybe misadventure for the records, as was likely his intention following a tragic situation that may never be revealed.

Moo..so that's like 2 to 4 days since last communication. Unless he is scratched up, or ?maybe a hike that went wrong. So they should find Fang Jin along some trail.

 

[Ou41aw]

Hopeful Fang's family will receive some answers now. I'm not ruling out an armed carjacking & kidnapping. Fang had cash; it could have been an armed robbery that went terribly wrong. We don't know if Fang & Fitz were more than friends after only being together seven days. Friends or lovers, I'd bet the ranch Fitzpatrick would fight to his death to protect Fang and/or his property from a few thugs. I googled Thermal carjacking; surprisingly for a small town there have been armed carjackers arrested in Thermal during August 2023 & September 2023. Not saying these armed carjackings are related but not totally convinced they are not or something like them didn't happen. Prayers up for answers. JMO

Not Fitzpatrick's but armed carjacking vehicle & kidnapping taken at one location & driven to Moreno Valley.
"August 26, 2023, at 3:30 a.m., deputies from the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station located a vehicle wanted in connection to an armed carjacking and kidnapping in the City of San Bernardino."

Pursuit of Armed and Dangerous Carjacking Suspect

www.riversidesheriff.org

AND September 12,2023:
"A suspect accused in an armed carjacking Tuesday in La Quinta was later found and arrested in Thermal, authorities said."

Suspect arrested after armed carjacking in the Citrus area of La Quinta

A suspect accused in an armed carjacking Tuesday in La Quinta was later found and arrested in Thermal, authorities said. The crime was initially reported at around 3:10 p.m. around the area of the Citrus Country Club near Jefferson Street. "Upon arrival, deputies confirmed the victim’s vehicle...

kesq.com

The areas with the carjacking reports you listed are nowhere in the realm of how desolate Harper Canyon is. Moreno Valley, San Bernardino, and La Quinta are metropolises compared to where he and the truck were found. Think pictures from the Mars rover and you will see how desolate of a place that is. For someone to go that far to carjack, you would have a better chance hitting the Powerball for $1 Billion.

 

[nao]

Moo..death, grief are so painful when the one you love is in another country. I truly hope this is an innocent hike gone wrong.

 

[AliceInPain]

Kind of irrelevant since the case is under seal, but the San Diego County Medical Examiner issues press releases for all non-homicide cases. I went through to see if there was anything else in that area and didn't really see anything of note, but wanted to drop the link in case anyone else wanted to look.

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/me/press/press.html

There are decedents on there with NoK not notified, and at least one with CoD: pending and MoD: pending investigation. Since someone commented JRF's case may be under seal because they are still investigating.
As they are all listed as non-homicides now it seems more likely it's under seal because there were obvious signs of violence, self-inflicted or not.

 

[TravelingBug]

To me, this implies a local jurisdictional practice of keeping mum on homicides (and by extension, suicides).

IMO

Or they're still waiting on toxicology or some other results (so wasn't obvious upon finding him, maybe) and so aren't releasing it until they are more sure which way it'll go?

Especially since he was involved in an MP case both himself and with another (as far as we know, still unlocated) MP, so it probably wouldn't be considered a straight forwarded still undetermined COD (if that were the issue) IMO.

 

[megs1477]

I can't let go of the fact Fang stopped communicating with loved ones late 7/21. Had she been travelling and visiting the next locations, photos would have been uploaded...following the pattern of the previous week. She loved recording all the new sights around her and uploaded a LOT in that first week.

I believe JRF passed around 7/24-26. Dental records were deemed essential for a positive ID since his remains were so decomposed which is not surprising in that location. IMO cod might be undetermined, maybe misadventure for the records, as was likely his intention following a tragic situation that may never be revealed.

I believe whatever occurred happened on 7/22-23. JF was communicating every other day and was due to check in on 7/23. I believe they left the Thermal campground and headed down to Harper Canyon area to camp, perhaps stopping along the way. JRF’s phone ping could have been off a tower in Julian from where he was found in Harper Canyon. It is just over 20 miles between the two and cell towers can provide service up to 50 miles. If his phone had battery life, it could have pinged on its own with an app updating in the background, etc. after JRF was deceased. JMOO

 

[mst]

Honestly there are so many ways this could have gone. Tragic accident, murder/suicide, third party involved. There's a lot of speculation that he may have killed her but could it have been the other way around? More questions now then answers since the news he died

 

[AnxiousandAgitated]

Honestly there are so many ways this could have gone. Tragic accident, murder/suicide, third party involved. There's a lot of speculation that he may have killed her but could it have been the other way around? More questions now then answers since the news he died

How many cases are out there where a woman travels overseas on vacation, kills a local man and then disappears? I can’t think of a precedent for that

 

[ClaireNC]

I believe whatever occurred happened on 7/22-23. JF was communicating every other day and was due to check in on 7/23. I believe they left the Thermal campground and headed down to Harper Canyon area to camp, perhaps stopping along the way. JRF’s phone ping could have been off a tower in Julian from where he was found in Harper Canyon. It is just over 20 miles between the two and cell towers can provide service up to 50 miles. If his phone had battery life, it could have pinged on its own with an app updating in the background, etc. after JRF was deceased. JMOO

Fang sent pictures and/or videos every day except 7/18. The last one was sent at about 10 pm on 7/21. When her family didn’t hear from her again after that last odd video, they got worried and tried to call/text her and didn’t get a response. I don’t think Fang was in the truck when it was spotted at the campground, but that’s just my opinion.

 

[Jade]

It is quite possible they both succumbed to the heat. They went for a day trek and were ill equipped. It wouldn't be the first time it occurred. Happens a lot actually.

He could have left her to get to the truck to find help. And passed away. Heat, time, animals could make LE very cautious about cause of death. Hence sealed for now.

It is also possible this would have been an area that "should" have been searched based on his cell phone pings and was not. I am guessing a member of the public i.e. hunters, dirt biker riders, etc found the vehicle. Honestly depending how far away he was from the vehicle, sometimes vehicles get vandalized too. It could look suspicious, thus needed to be investigated.

I guess that’s what I thought too. At first; for a minute.

Last time I was there in August in addition to several others even a woman and her dog died on a walk.

Experts warn hikers be prepared as excessive heat continues in San Diego County


BUT

JRF career military, a Seal no less, physically fit, long time resident of the area, seems a desert rat based on his home location and his clothing.

I mean what could be safer?

It would seem.

Having toured the desert with a San Diego local guy many times I’ve always found the best part of touring the desert is leaving to go to the beach. Or to a desert motel with a deep concrete pool and cocktails for the sunset.

My local guy who tours me matches his clothing to mine- light summer clothes. Our early day getting out and poking around is done appropriate to our summer clothes and our plans to later shop and eat out.

I notice that there’s always a pair of rolled up jeans and work boots tucked in for just in case with the necessary supplies as recommended for desert sightseeing.

So I wondered right off at the pictures with dear Fang looking so sweet in her in summer clothes and JRF looking like he was going to be puttering around the yard.

Although most lunch or dinner places are not formal a gentleman escorting a lady visitor would be at least in clean shorts and t-shirt? Strolling along in Julian going in and out of shops as one would do when touring a visitor would be much more enjoyable in summer clothes.

Imo, where the alleged ‘sizing JRF up to a Joshua Tree’ photo was taken I’m worried about as that’s where I believe she is on the ground and not by her own choice.



All imo

 

[ZVT24]

Moo..death, grief are so painful when the one you love is in another country. I truly hope this is an innocent hike gone wrong.

For Fang’s daughters’, friends’, and loved ones’ sake, this is what I keep hoping as well.

 

[slowpoke]

I guess that’s what I thought too. At first; for a minute.

Last time I was there in August in addition to several others even a woman and her dog died on a walk.

Experts warn hikers be prepared as excessive heat continues in San Diego County


BUT

JRF career military, a Seal no less, physically fit, long time resident of the area, seems a desert rat based on his home location and his clothing.

I mean what could be safer?

It would seem.

Having toured the desert with a San Diego local guy many times I’ve always found the best part of touring the desert is leaving to go to the beach. Or to a desert motel with a deep concrete pool and cocktails for the sunset.

My local guy who tours me matches his clothing to mine- light summer clothes. Our early day getting out and poking around is done appropriate to our summer clothes and our plans to later shop and eat out.

I notice that there’s always a pair of rolled up jeans and work boots tucked in for just in case with the necessary supplies as recommended for desert sightseeing.

So I wondered right off at the pictures with dear Fang looking so sweet in her in summer clothes and JRF looking like he was going to be puttering around the yard.

Although most lunch or dinner places are not formal a gentleman escorting a lady visitor would be at least in clean shorts and t-shirt? Strolling along in Julian going in and out of shops as one would do when touring a visitor would be much more enjoyable in summer clothes.

Imo, where the alleged ‘sizing JRF up to a Joshua Tree’ photo was taken I’m worried about as that’s where I believe she is on the ground and not by her own choice.



All imo

I’m not sure if I’m going off on a tangent to the point of your post, so excuse me, but as to the choice of clothing—I learned from another case that there is a cactus called Cholla that has barbed spines that detach easily from the plant if even lightly brushed up against, because it’s the tips that are barbed. The spines embed into the clothing or skin and is very difficult and painful to remove.

So, I think long pants, rugged shoes and socks (like JRF had on) are often the correct wear for the desert.

Also, JMO but I think we don’t know that they ever actually were in the town of Julian (or even if only he was) or if the phone ping just came from there due to proximity to one of their cell towers.

 

[formerlyme]

I don't even want to speculate there are so many things that could have happened, a fall and he went for help had a heart attack. the heat. the rains. I am not going to be too quick to consider either one the victim of the other too many unknowns. Hoping for an investigation that gives answers rather than more questions.

 

[Jade]

I’m not sure if I’m going off on a tangent to the point of your post, so excuse me, but as to the choice of clothing—I learned from another case that there is a cactus called Cholla that has barbed spines that detach easily from the plant if even lightly brushed up against, because it’s the tips that are barbed. The spines embed into the clothing or skin and is very difficult and painful to remove.

So, I think long pants, rugged shoes and socks (like JRF had on) are often the correct wear for the desert.

Also, JMO but I think we don’t know that they ever actually were in the town of Julian (or even if only he was) or if the phone ping just came from there due to proximity to one of their cell towers.

So why then wasn’t Fang similarly dressed?

Unless JRF had reason to think he was going to encounter Cholla on his own….


There’s plenty of room to walk around out there without getting up against anything its wide open. I’ve done it many times even in long sundresses and never had it even catch on them.

Julian then as an example of what a typical tour guide for a visitor would plan to include as part of the sights and scenery.

There are lots of other wonderful places to stop off in the area: little antiques stores, interesting country stores, bakeries.

Frankly this makes me more worried as to go even close to these fun places and not visit while touring is ominous.

all imo

 

[tarabull]

I guess that’s what I thought too. At first; for a minute.

Last time I was there in August in addition to several others even a woman and her dog died on a walk.

Experts warn hikers be prepared as excessive heat continues in San Diego County


BUT

JRF career military, a Seal no less, physically fit, long time resident of the area, seems a desert rat based on his home location and his clothing.

I mean what could be safer?

It would seem.

Having toured the desert with a San Diego local guy many times I’ve always found the best part of touring the desert is leaving to go to the beach. Or to a desert motel with a deep concrete pool and cocktails for the sunset.

My local guy who tours me matches his clothing to mine- light summer clothes. Our early day getting out and poking around is done appropriate to our summer clothes and our plans to later shop and eat out.

I notice that there’s always a pair of rolled up jeans and work boots tucked in for just in case with the necessary supplies as recommended for desert sightseeing.

So I wondered right off at the pictures with dear Fang looking so sweet in her in summer clothes and JRF looking like he was going to be puttering around the yard.

Although most lunch or dinner places are not formal a gentleman escorting a lady visitor would be at least in clean shorts and t-shirt? Strolling along in Julian going in and out of shops as one would do when touring a visitor would be much more enjoyable in summer clothes.

Imo, where the alleged ‘sizing JRF up to a Joshua Tree’ photo was taken I’m worried about as that’s where I believe she is on the ground and not by her own choice.



All imo

ABSOLUTELY
ALL of THAT above!!!!!

IMHO

 

[Cedars]

Dbm

 

[Cedars]

The areas with the carjacking reports you listed are nowhere in the realm of how desolate Harper Canyon is. Moreno Valley, San Bernardino, and La Quinta are metropolises compared to where he and the truck were found. Think pictures from the Mars rover and you will see how desolate of a place that is. For someone to go that far to carjack, you would have a better chance hitting the Powerball for $1 Billion.

Also, the vehicle being left in a remote location would indicate two people with another vehicle were involved in hiding the truck and getting away themselves.

To me, that's a scenario that would indicate a targetted crime, not a random one where the perp just wants a quick get-away and then walk off.

So I don't think it likely outsiders were involved.

JMO

 

[Midge Montana]

Where are you, Fang Jin?