Officials confirmed Thursday that the remains found in Southern California are that of Lauren “L” Cho, a woman who disappeared in June.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that “the cause and method of death are awaiting the results of the toxicology.” San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office.
“More information about this case will not be released until toxicology results are available this time and new information is discovered as a result.”
The human remains were found October 9 in the rugged, open desert terrain near their last known location, an Airbnb rental for artists in Yucca Valley, about 30 miles north of Palm Springs.
The authorities searched the compound and the surrounding area several times. According to the mayor of San Bernardino County,.
The San Bernardino County Police Department’s Specialized Investigative Division got involved in late September after “local detectives exhausted their investigations.”
Cho, 30, was reported missing around 5 p.m. on June 28, after her friends and others staying at the compound said she left on a rampage without food, water or phone.
About a week later, Zhou’s relatives activated a Facebook page called “Missing Person: Lauren El Cho” To raise awareness about her disappearance.
The case of Cho, a Korean American, and other women of color appeared to receive increased attention amid criticism of intense media focus on the disappearance and death of Gabe Pettito, who was white in late summer.
Pettito’s remains were found near Grand Teton National Park, and those discovered in the hunt for Chu were found near Joshua Tree National Park.
“I only want attention now and power,” one of Chu’s friends tweeted on September 20 after Pettito’s case became a dominant national story.
The family members behind the Facebook page described Chu’s personality and spirit:
“El is many things… a talented musician, a wonderful baker, a cheerful and loyal friend, an intuitive gift-giver, and perhaps the most wonderful sister one could hope for. But this is where El really shines: as an aunt. The love you have for her. biting Unmatched. Even among the family, there is a consensus that her nibble is the person Elle loves the most in this world.”
Dennis Romero And David K. Mine Contributed.
