Skeletal Remains Confirmed As Man Who Vanished From Beaumont

BEAUMONT, CA — A Covina man, who visited family in Beaumont nearly three years ago then disappeared, has been found dead in Palm Springs, but foul play is not suspected.

The skeletal remains of Michael John Enguidanos, 54, were found earlier this year, but it took a forensic examination to confirm his identity. The Beaumont Police Department announced the lab findings Monday and said a positive match was made late last week.

Enguidanos was first reported missing to the Beaumont Police Department on September 1, 2018. Family members said he left their Beaumont residence to visit friends on August 24, 2018, but he failed to return home, according to Beaumont police.

Family members became concerned when they were unable to reach him by phone.

On August 31, 2018, prior to the family reporting Enguidanos missing, the California Highway Patrol located an unoccupied car. The vehicle, a newer model black Honda Civic, was parked along the Whitewater Cutoff Road in Whitewater and was tagged by the CHP for removal. Days later, on September 4, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department was conducting a separate investigation in the area and spotted the Civic, and that's when investigators discovered the abandoned car belonged to Enguidanos. His keys and wallet were inside.

Even after the vehicle discovery, crime was not suspected.

"At this time, there is no evidence of foul play. Enguidanos is listed as a “Missing Person," Beaumont police said at the time.

On March 12, 2021, Enguidanos' skeletal remains were located about 11 miles from the abandoned Civic. Coachella Valley Water District crews found the bones while doing routine maintenance on a retention pond in the city of Palm Springs, according to Beaumont police.

A cause of death was not announced, but Beaumont police confirmed again there was no evidence of foul play.

Enguidanos' remains were being turned over to family.