Human Remains Found In Mountains Confirmed As Missing Hemet Woman

HEMET, CA — Human remains found in Mountain Center are that of a 73-year-old Hemet woman who was reported missing last summer, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department confirmed Thursday.

The remains of Rosario Garcia were found Feb. 5 in the remote San Jacinto Mountains, east of Hemet.

"Human remains consistent with an adult female were located in the area as well as items belonging to Rosario Garcia," Sgt. James Burton reported. "Our coroner’s bureau was able to obtain a positive identification that the remains belonged to Rosario Garcia."

There was no evidence of foul play, Burton said.

A lengthy search for Garcia began July 7 when family members reported her missing. She was last seen driving her silver 2016 Nissan Altima.

Two days later, deputies from the Palm Desert Station found her stuck car in the 70100 block of Highway 74 in Mountain Center.

"The vehicle was located and it appeared to have become high centered on the rough road," Burton reported.

The search continued, but Garcia could not be found.

According to flyers posted about Garcia's disappearance, the Hemet woman suffered from dementia. Also known as "Chata," she was married to a U.S. military veteran, according to flyers.