Stephanie Elizabeth Perez, a 65-year-old woman from Thousand Oaks, California, was found deceased on May 4, 2025. Her remains were discovered near the Sunrise and Autumn trails in Thousand Oaks by a hiker in the evening hours. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office launched a homicide investigation following the discovery. Stephanie Elizabeth Perez had been missing for nearly ten months, with her last known contact with family occurring on July 16, 2024.
Authorities identified the remains
as belonging to Stephanie Elizabeth Perez and her husband, 64-year-old Jose Luis Perez. The Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office determined that both individuals had died from gunshot wounds to the head. While Jose Luis Perez's death was ruled a suicide, the death of Stephanie Elizabeth Perez was classified as a homicide. Officials have stated that the incident appears to be isolated, and no immediate suspects or arrests have been reported in connection with the case.
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Stephanie Elizabeth Perez. Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward and contact law enforcement. The case remains open as investigators work to uncover further details regarding the homicide.
