Found Deceased CA - Paul Arthur Stockwell Jr., 29, & Ria Gabriella Williams, 27, 29 January 2020

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Missing couple found dead off California hiking trail

https://nypost.com/2020/02/05/missing-couple-found-dead-off-california-hiking-trail/

A missing couple was found dead this week off a hiking trail deep inside a California forest, according to authorities and a new report.

Investigators found the bodies of Paul Arthur Stockwell Jr., 29, of Big Bear and Ria Gabriella Williams, 27, of Santa Ana, around 1:30 p.m. Monday about a half-mile into the forest near the Cougar Crest Trail, close to Big Bear Lake, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and ABC 7.

Nearly 11 hours earlier, deputies had spotted Williams’ car in a parking area near the trail, police said.

Stockwell and Williams were last seen together in Big Bear on Jan. 29, authorities said.

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“Neither of the missing person reports indicated any suspicious circumstances or reason to suspect foul play,” the police statement said.

But due to the circumstances, the case is being investigated as a homicide, authorities said.

Autopsies will determine the cause of death for both Stockwell and Williams.

 

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Missing Couple, 29 and 27, Found Dead a Half-Mile Inside California Forest

 

[Vail]

Big Bear Sheriff Station

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[Strands]

from Big Bear Sheriff Station on FB

Regarding the death investigation near Cougar Crest Trail:

This investigation is ongoing and further details will not be released until such time as autopsies can be performed. The Coroner’s Office conducts autopsies for the entire County of San Bernardino, and results can take several weeks. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department would like to reiterate that this is an isolated incident and there is no threat of increased danger to the public.

 

[Strands]

Just announced this was a suicide from GSW Coroner: Couple found near Big Bear died from suicide – Orange County Register

 

[watcher9]

Just announced this was a suicide from GSW Coroner: Couple found near Big Bear died from suicide – Orange County Register

Could not open your link but here are two more links confirming that investigation and evidence showed that each individual died of suicide. I guess it could happen - maybe both had gunshot residue on their hands - one shoots oneself and the other then picks up the gun and shoots oneself. Very unusual though.

Missing couple autopsy reveals suicide

Officials: Missing couple found dead near Big Bear-area hiking trail both died of suicide