Authorities confirm link in two missing person cases in Morongo Basin
Two missing person cases out of the Morongo Basin area are linked, authorities confirmed to News Channel 3 on Thursday.
Fang Jin, 40, and John Fitzpatrick, 52, have both been reported missing since the end of July, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Dept.
Jin is a Chinese tourist who came out to the area on July 14. Authorities said she took a train from LA to the Palm Springs area. She was then picked up by a male subject who was supposed to show her around the Morongo Basin area.
Authorities said Jin was last heard from on July 22.
Fitzpatrick was hired to be Jin's tour guide of the Morongo Basin area, SBCSD PIO Mara Rodriguez told News Channel 3.
Fitzpatrick was reported missing by a friend on July 30. He was last known to be driving a blue Toyota Tacoma with a California license plate 24478S1.
"They were supposed to go camping, but the amount of time was not disclosed. There are both still listed as voluntary missing. The investigation is ongoing at this time," Rodriguez wrote.
Fang Jin Description:
- 5 feet, 4 inches tall
- Weighing about 110 pounds
- Black hair
- Brown eyes
John Fitzpatrick Description:
- 5 feet, 8 inches tall
- 185 pounds
- Black hair
- Hazel eyes
On Wednesday, the Sheriff's Dept. told News Channel 3 this is not a criminal investigation at this time and there are no suspects.
If have any information on Jin and Fitzpatrick's whereabouts, you are urged to contact dispatch immediately at (909) 790-3100. You can also contact Detective Bengard at (760)366-4175 or tbengard@sbcsd.org
Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.
