CA FANG JIN: Missing from San Bernardino County, CA - July 2023 - Age 47 *Found Deceased*

Chinese woman remains missing, while her boyfriend was found dead in San Diego County

A Chinese woman who toured the Mojave Desert remains missing, while her boyfriend from San Bernardino County was found dead in San Diego County

www.vvdailypress.com

Chinese woman remains missing, while her boyfriend was found dead in San Diego County​

The investigation continues into a missing Chinese national and her friend, a former Navy SEAL from Morongo Valley.

The most recent update in the case came in September, roughly two months after Fan Jin and John Root Fitzpatrick went missing.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s officials reported that the body of veteran Fitzpatrick, 52, was found last month in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Sheriff’s spokesperson Mara Rodriguez told the Daily Press on Wednesday that there is no update on Jin's whereabouts, and the missing person's case remains open.

The 47-year-old woman was last heard from in July.

After meeting a man, later identified as Fitzpatrick, online and corresponding with him for six months, Jin decided to meet him, her family said.

“Jin did her best to check into the man’s background, ordering a background report and verifying the man’s identity, military service, and employment record,” according to a GoFundMe account set up by family friend Kyle Zhou.

Jin flew from China to Los Angeles on July 14.

After arriving, she boarded a train from Los Angeles to the Palm Springs area. The following day, she was picked up by a man whom she hired for a tour of the Morongo Basin area, sheriff's officials stated.

Jin had planned to camp in an unknown area in the Morongo Basin, which is situated southeast of Lucerne and Johnson valleys in the High Desert, police stated.

On July 16, the couple was seen on surveillance video purchasing toiletries inside the Marine Corps Exchange at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, according to a search warrant issued by San Bernardino County Superior Court.

The man took her to Joshua Tree National Park and then “supposedly went camping” with her at “a small town in the desert,” her family said.

The pair reportedly took at least one hiking trip to the desert. Jin also stayed with Fitzpatrick at the Roadrunner Mobile Home Park in Morongo Valley.

Jin continued to send photos to her family in China, including one of Fitzpatrick’s driver's license and another of him with his blue Toyota pickup, the search warrant revealed.

On July 22, photos and messages were no longer being received by Jin’s family, she wasn't answering her phone, and her social media posts stopped. Her phone showed that it was no longer in service on July 25, according to her family.

Jin’s friend filed a missing person’s report on July 26 with the sheriff’s department when she couldn’t contact her. Jin had booked a return flight in October, and her family said she did not intend to stay in the U.S.

Fitzpatrick was reported missing on July 30, according to the man’s longtime friend and military colleague, Darryl Hoss, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

Hoss reported his friend missing when Fitzpatrick didn’t return from an extended camping trip to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the Union-Tribune stated.

According to military records reviewed by the Union-Tribune, Fitzpatrick was honorably discharged from active service in 2010 as a chief petty officer, master parachutist, and instructor who had completed multiple tours overseas.

In 2020, Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and was later placed in the veteran's treatment court, hinting at underlying issues, according to the Hi-Desert Star. He eventually completed the program, and the charge was dismissed this year.

Investigators stated that on July 22, Fitzpatrick’s vehicle, a blue Toyota Tacoma truck, was captured on camera in Thermal, just south of Indio and about 60 miles north of where his body would later be found.

On Aug. 1, deputies conducted a welfare check at Fitzpatrick’s mobile home located on 29 Palms Highway in Morongo Valley, according to the search warrant.

Detectives visited Fitzpatrick’s mobile home and found the front door open. Investigators entered to see if the couple were inside and found no one.

Detectives did find items belonging to Jin inside the home and the "odor of decomposition,” the court document stated.

Sheriff's officials also discovered and took a red suitcase that contained Jin’s property. Additionally, her straw hat, sandals, green shoes, an SD card from a Ring camera, a green helmet, and a white purse with her belongings.

Deputies also found receipts from the Marine Corps Exchange.

On July 3, Fitzpatrick was seen on a store security camera purchasing duct tape, according to the search warrant. At that time, he was seen with a white/Hispanic man, who left the store with the purchased items, the court document stated.

A month later, sheriff’s investigators served a second search warrant at the mobile home, where they took three iPhones.


MEDIA - FANG JIN: Missing from San Bernardino County, CA - July 2023 - Age 47

 

[GrandmaBear]

Why would LE put out she hired him as a tour guide when it is clear it was more and was from the first post here? That's also why it confused, sounded like they were talking of two different guys. Did such a story come out from someone at first? From who? His friend or family?

Odd that IF he is dead they wouldn't say so as it wouldn't help catch HIM as he would not be alive...

Bear with me as I see the rest of the posts. Anything I am saying is likely old news.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Seems like Fang Jin has been found as well, hoping for more information soon, LE doesn't give alot of information on this one and the Media isn't very interested sadly. My condolences go out to her family and friends.

More human remains found in desert, family of missing woman Fang Jin notified

Sheriff search team discovered remains Saturday in Anza-Borrego.

www.cbs8.com

Hmmmm. Well I think it is as simple as it seems. Although there needs to be clarity on whether he was really found and was it not said like 50 miles from his truck? Mapping these areas of all would be good. I did a simple one in Morphew which to me points right still at the hub perfectly but I'm not a good mapper other than a simple point or point to point or in linking such to be searchable, zoom, etc. Never sure if I have it that way. This one has the mobile home, the place they bought supplies, where she was found, where he was found (IF these are indeed even THEM), where the truck was found, etc. I'm not capable of mapping all that.

If LE is certain they are both dead, then not sure of the secrecy other than if he truly isn't OR there was help... How is it they and the truck were found in various areas or so it sounds they were all in very different areas, since I haven't looked at a map, no idea.. I mean people are searched for forever and not found and yet all this was found in distinctly different areas or do I have that wrong? Did they follow someone's cell or GPS...?

So is he dead or alive? I'm pretty sure she is not. And most can likely guess my opinion. But what he does after now that's up in the air. I don't see the need for secrecy if both are dead...

I wouldn't normally go into these kinds of thoughts and would figure it cut and dried and that both sets of remains are these TWO but there are some odd things...Did it not say the truck was 60 miles from the remains? Feel free to correct me... It was a FRIEND that called him in missing AFTER her right? "His" remains or the first set was found some time before "hers" now... And they won't confirm it those are his or not... News reported they were but then it seemed to be contradicted by LE... Just an accident or a ploy...?

This seems like rumor but the truck all broken windows etc. and in a bad way but was in an article that it is not easily retrievable right...? The other part is JT rumor or something? Am I following? Maybe not as JT does not allow rumor lol

Entirely different types of cases but this has shades of the John Forsyth case. Victim miles from his car... IF again I have it right. And more. Maybe staging...

At its simplest he killed her then killed self OR ran off and staged killing self. IF he is alive cops want him to believe they think him dead so he slips up and they had someone leak to a news org that it was his body but then went and acted hush hush about it... Or quite simply he did suicide but now the remainder of the facts need to be put together or if anyone else was involved... Cross Ts, dot Is. Ensure the story and case is right...

 

[buyerninety]

SheWho and GrandmaBear said like 'I am only now just catching
up on the entire thread but so what about'...
Well it's a public forum so I have to speak in generalities... do you
watch for instance SteveLehto or LackLuster or TheCivilRightsLawyer,
etc... you learn to be quite skeptical about some things, videos can be
found on YT for instance where traffic stops are carried out, it gets said
e.g. I get a smell of MaryJane sir, (now I have probable cause to search yr car/
cause to get dog to detect in yr car/could use this to tow and get a warrant
to seach)... an allegation of a smell can never be disproved in a court, only
accepted or not accepted... no harm, no foul on the one making the allegation...

As far as er, well.. another hypothetical... say your good friend hadn't been
heard or seen, so maybe missing, you know you can check their residence
without losing their friendship... but how can you be sure the actual policebod
will take 'missing' seriously? The police might just say, hey, I knocked, maybe
they're asleep/down the street/an adult so so what (last one was soooo common
in the eighties), one thing you could do, is jimmy their front door & after you look
in their residence to make sure they're not laid out dead on the couch, is leave the
door looking closed but unlocked... later police comes to visit, Knock Knock, door
moves open slightly so it's known it's open... there's a saying in some countries
'an open door invites entry'.. police announce themselves, no challenges come
from inside, police has no worries about being sued, maybe curious, enters, looks
around - so basically the police more likely to do their job if it's easy for them to
gain entry... the friend is very pleased now.

 

[GrandmaBear]

SheWho and GrandmaBear said like 'I am only now just catching
up on the entire thread but so what about'...
Well it's a public forum so I have to speak in generalities... do you
watch for instance SteveLehto or LackLuster or TheCivilRightsLawyer,
etc... you learn to be quite skeptical about some things, videos can be
found on YT for instance where traffic stops are carried out, it gets said
e.g. I get a smell of MaryJane sir, (now I have probable cause to search yr car/
cause to get dog to detect in yr car/could use this to tow and get a warrant
to seach)... an allegation of a smell can never be disproved in a court, only
accepted or not accepted... no harm, no foul on the one making the allegation...

As far as er, well.. another hypothetical... say your good friend hadn't been
heard or seen, so maybe missing, you know you can check their residence
without losing their friendship... but how can you be sure the actual policebod
will take 'missing' seriously? The police might just say, hey, I knocked, maybe
they're asleep/down the street/an adult so so what (last one was soooo common
in the eighties), one thing you could do, is jimmy their front door & after you look
in their residence to make sure they're not laid out dead on the couch, is leave the
door looking closed but unlocked... later police comes to visit, Knock Knock, door
moves open slightly so it's known it's open... there's a saying in some countries
'an open door invites entry'.. police announce themselves, no challenges come
from inside, police has no worries about being sued, maybe curious, enters, looks
around - so basically the police more likely to do their job if it's easy for them to
gain entry... the friend is very pleased now.

No I don't watch any of those shows but am not unfamiliar with what you are talking of. I am not sure though how you are relating it to this case or what you think happened? There was a smell of decomp but believe that was after entering and not used as an excuse to enter was it not? Door was unlocked so are you saying family or friends had already entered like through the window and left via a door leaving it unlocked for police?

How are you tying these things in and what do you think happened? I have read or seen nothing but what is here just so ya know that is the extent of my info.

 

[Whatsnext]

Bump, can somebody find any news? Lots of sites I can't access from Europe

 

[RoundPeg]

Bump, can somebody find any news? Lots of sites I can't access from Europe

I don’t see anything updated.

 

[Whatsnext]

I don’t see anything updated.

Thank you!

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Agencies block public release of info about bodies in desert

Relatives of victims were notified about the remains of loved ones found in the Anza-Borrego desert.

www.cbs8.com

Author: David Gotfredson
Published: 8:38 PM PST November 7, 2023
Updated: 8:38 PM PST November 7, 2023

SAN DIEGO — The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office still has not publicly released the identification of two sets of remains found in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Relatives of the victims, however, have already been told their loved ones are dead, insiders told CBS 8.

<snip>

Attorney David Schmidt has been working on the case with Jin's family.

“She came here for romantic purposes and had been texting him for something like six months prior to coming here. And they definitely had rapport. And her expectation was that he was going to show her around the area, Morongo Valley, Morongo Basin, Joshua Tree State Park, and see whether the relationship developed,” said Schmidt.

In January, while Jin was still in China, Fitzpatrick texted her a message saying, "I used to live in Borrego Springs in the desert as a kid." Then in June, he texted her, “We could start a camping channel taking Chinese out to the desert and I could teach them camping skills from a Navy SEAL. How to read maps for hiking and how to find water in the desert. Make all different types of shelters.”

<snip>
“I hope that you can, through your efforts, get them to come clean with the public, as they should have done a long time ago, especially now that it's apparently reached a conclusion. They need to let the public know what they found and be upfront,” said attorney Schmidt.

A cause of death for the couple also has not been released, as their autopsies remain sealed at the request of the San Diego County Sheriff.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Remains found in Anza Borrego confirmed to be Fang Jin, who went missing after visiting Joshua Tree National Park

Fang Jin, the woman who was declared missing in July, shortly after arriving in the hi-desert from China, has had her remains positively identified, according t

z1077fm.com

Jef Harmatz
November 10, 2023

Fang Jin, the woman who was declared missing in July, shortly after arriving in the hi-desert from China, has had her remains positively identified, according to the San Bernardino County Coroner.

Fang, 47, was believed to be traveling with John Fitzpatrick, 52. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported in October that human remains found in Anza Borrego Desert State Park belonged to Fitzpatrick.

Recent reports from various news sources said that a second set of human remains were found nearby in the state park, though Z107.7 was unable to independently verify that information.

A representative from the San Bernardino Coroner’s Office only confirmed that Fang’s remains have been found, and that her missing person case will be closed. The San Bernardino County Coroner’s office has said that they have received no information regarding John Fitzpatrick, and his missing person case is still open in the county.

The San Diego County Coroner’s Office told Z107.7 that the investigation into remains found at the park have been sealed by the Sheriff’s Office, and would provide no comment.

In August, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office said that Fang had hired Fitzpatrick as a tour guide to take her through the Morongo Basin and Joshua Tree National Park. It has been reported that they had a romantic relationship in addition to the business arrangement. Both Fitzpatrick and Fang were considered to be “voluntary missing,” and no criminal case was opened into the matter.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Remains found in Anza Borrego confirmed to be Fang Jin, who went missing after visiting Joshua Tree National Park

Fang Jin, the woman who was declared missing in July, shortly after arriving in the hi-desert from China, has had her remains positively identified, according t

z1077fm.com

Jef Harmatz
November 10, 2023

Fang Jin, the woman who was declared missing in July, shortly after arriving in the hi-desert from China, has had her remains positively identified, according to the San Bernardino County Coroner.

Fang, 47, was believed to be traveling with John Fitzpatrick, 52. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported in October that human remains found in Anza Borrego Desert State Park belonged to Fitzpatrick.

Recent reports from various news sources said that a second set of human remains were found nearby in the state park, though Z107.7 was unable to independently verify that information.

A representative from the San Bernardino Coroner’s Office only confirmed that Fang’s remains have been found, and that her missing person case will be closed. The San Bernardino County Coroner’s office has said that they have received no information regarding John Fitzpatrick, and his missing person case is still open in the county.

The San Diego County Coroner’s Office told Z107.7 that the investigation into remains found at the park have been sealed by the Sheriff’s Office, and would provide no comment.

In August, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office said that Fang had hired Fitzpatrick as a tour guide to take her through the Morongo Basin and Joshua Tree National Park. It has been reported that they had a romantic relationship in addition to the business arrangement. Both Fitzpatrick and Fang were considered to be “voluntary missing,” and no criminal case was opened into the matter.

Hmm. So she is confirmed and he isn't and remains found and investigation on remains found at the park are sealed by the SD yet insiders say both families have been told their loved ones are dead. Seems likely it is a murder and a suicide and i guess that could be with either party in either direction but I'd lean towards he killed her. Or I guess it could be a double murder but doubtful. What are they waiting for and why? Cause of death? it getting blown our of proportion like hate crime/international incident? Only half in jest. Just determining the facts and crossing the T and dotting the I?

I think his channel idea sounds a bit weird. Taking Chinese into the American desert and teaching them survival skills, how to build different kinds of shelters, etc. and camping skills and how to find water? By a Navy Seal. Was he planning to populate our desert with sheltered Chinese? This is ODD. Was she into talking this stuff with him as well I wonder...He seems to have taken one Chinese person to the desert to teach her something or to kill her...

Maybe they are looking into what this man has been up to over the years and more...

 

[Whatsnext]

Hmm. So she is confirmed and he isn't and remains found and investigation on remains found at the park are sealed by the SD yet insiders say both families have been told their loved ones are dead. Seems likely it is a murder and a suicide and i guess that could be with either party in either direction but I'd lean towards he killed her. Or I guess it could be a double murder but doubtful. What are they waiting for and why? Cause of death? it getting blown our of proportion like hate crime/international incident? Only half in jest. Just determining the facts and crossing the T and dotting the I?

I think his channel idea sounds a bit weird. Taking Chinese into the American desert and teaching them survival skills, how to build different kinds of shelters, etc. and camping skills and how to find water? By a Navy Seal. Was he planning to populate our desert with sheltered Chinese? This is ODD. Was she into talking this stuff with him as well I wonder...He seems to have taken one Chinese person to the desert to teach her something or to kill her...

Maybe they are looking into what this man has been up to over the years and more...

I seriously guess they tread so carefully because she's Chinese. As to everything else it is hard to even speculate, because there is so little confirmed information.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Death certificate confirms body of ex-Navy SEAL found in desert

GPS location of John Fitzpatrick's body was disclosed, but the cause of death is still pending.

www.cbs8.com

Death certificate confirms body of ex-Navy SEAL found in desert​

San Diego County has released a death certificate confirming skeletal remains found September 17 in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are those of a former Navy SEAL from Morongo Valley.

The SEAL, John Fitzpatrick, 52, had been reported missing in July along with his companion, a 47-year-old Chinese national named Fang Jin.

The San Bernardino County coroner’s office previously confirmed Jin’s remains were found on October 28. Both remains were found near Harper Canyon. A San Diego County death certificate for Jin still has not been released.

The death certificate lists Fitzpatrick’s cause of death as “pending.” Both autopsies remain sealed because of an ongoing investigation.

Fitzpatrick’s death certificate includes the GPS location of his remains (33°7'14.9 N 116°14'27.8 W). The GPS location on the death certificate is about one mile north of the area previously reported to CBS 8 by the hiker who found the ex-Navy SEAL’s body in September.

“I’d say that’s pretty exact. That’s where it was,” the hiker told CBS 8 after seeing a pin drop of the new GPS coordinates released by San Diego County. The man asked that his name not be included in this report.


CBS 8 obtained photographs of Fitzpatrick’s remains depicting a skull and jawbone separated from other remains located close by.

CBS 8 reported on October 17 that family members had been notified of Fitzpatrick’s death. The release of the death certificate is the first official identification of the remains released to the public by San Diego County.

Fitzpatrick's 4-wheel-drive truck was found abandoned several miles away from his remains. San Diego County officials have not released the location of the truck, citing an ongoing investigation exemption to the California Public Records Act (CPRA).

 

[Guess Who]

Death certificate confirms body of ex-Navy SEAL found in desert

GPS location of John Fitzpatrick's body was disclosed, but the cause of death is still pending.

www.cbs8.com

Death certificate confirms body of ex-Navy SEAL found in desert​

San Diego County has released a death certificate confirming skeletal remains found September 17 in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are those of a former Navy SEAL from Morongo Valley.

The SEAL, John Fitzpatrick, 52, had been reported missing in July along with his companion, a 47-year-old Chinese national named Fang Jin.

The San Bernardino County coroner’s office previously confirmed Jin’s remains were found on October 28. Both remains were found near Harper Canyon. A San Diego County death certificate for Jin still has not been released.

The death certificate lists Fitzpatrick’s cause of death as “pending.” Both autopsies remain sealed because of an ongoing investigation.

Fitzpatrick’s death certificate includes the GPS location of his remains (33°7'14.9 N 116°14'27.8 W). The GPS location on the death certificate is about one mile north of the area previously reported to CBS 8 by the hiker who found the ex-Navy SEAL’s body in September.

“I’d say that’s pretty exact. That’s where it was,” the hiker told CBS 8 after seeing a pin drop of the new GPS coordinates released by San Diego County. The man asked that his name not be included in this report.


CBS 8 obtained photographs of Fitzpatrick’s remains depicting a skull and jawbone separated from other remains located close by.

CBS 8 reported on October 17 that family members had been notified of Fitzpatrick’s death. The release of the death certificate is the first official identification of the remains released to the public by San Diego County.

Fitzpatrick's 4-wheel-drive truck was found abandoned several miles away from his remains. San Diego County officials have not released the location of the truck, citing an ongoing investigation exemption to the California Public Records Act (CPRA).

There appears to be quite a few 4wd off road paths all through that area that look to be used quite often with fairly deep, obvious paths. Seems like it took a while to find him with that aspect. Weird case all the way around.

 

[GrandmaBear]

My leaning is murder and suicide of her and by him. The truck being miles away is odd but not if he had an ATV.

I find it odd they won't release where the truck was found, however, they haven't released much. It was found abandoned though, no hint that someone else, like a third person/murderer was drivingi it. There is also the off chance he/they walked and then he walked further after killing her.

I guess they could have been murdered by someone else but haven't seen anything to indicate that and who would want them both dead when she hadn't even been here before nor knew anyone well I'd imagine. Always a slim chance it was random but that's doubtful too imo.

Not sure about her but he sounded a bit odd, sorry, but teaching Chinese to live in the American desert? Isn't that what was said.. He clearly did not show her how to live. Sad.

 

[RoundPeg]

There appears to be quite a few 4wd off road paths all through that area that look to be used quite often with fairly deep, obvious paths. Seems like it took a while to find him with that aspect. Weird case all the way around.

You know, I'm starting to believe this was just a very unfortunate accident. I dunno if anyone remembers Barbara Thomas (?) was that her name? We were all convinced her husband killed her. It really was just an unfortunate accident. I thought this case sounded suspicious at first. Not so much now.

 

[Mel70]

You know, I'm starting to believe this was just a very unfortunate accident. I dunno if anyone remembers Barbara Thomas (?) was that her name? We were all convinced her husband killed her. It really was just an unfortunate accident. I thought this case sounded suspicious at first. Not so much now.

I looked up "Barbara Thomas". What I found was "2001". Her 18 year old son killed her, Along with 4 friends. Her son has since been released. WTF?!!!! So IDK The case you're referring to. The name does sound familiar, And I don't remember this case.

 

[Mel70]

O.K. I think I found it. Another "Barbara Thomas" Went missing during a hike in the "Mojave". Her husband "Robert".

 

[Mel70]

She went missing 7/2019. Her body was found 12/2020. I see nothing about her husband being charged. Or anything on this since "2020". Strange silence. I couldn't even find her cause of death

 

[GrandmaBear]

You know, I'm starting to believe this was just a very unfortunate accident. I dunno if anyone remembers Barbara Thomas (?) was that her name? We were all convinced her husband killed her. It really was just an unfortunate accident. I thought this case sounded suspicious at first. Not so much now.

I am sure it wont surprise you to hear I believed the hub guilty as well. I do not recall her being found or ever hearing it was clearly an accident. So she was found? I don't recall that but I came here before a resolution I think and did not follow it here. I may have simply forgotten but don't think so.

But as to this case, not sure how you are seeing an accident? Both had accidents? Or one accident, she died and he walked away and then died? Seriously asking. I don't quite see that as likely but maybe I a missing something...

 

[GrandmaBear]

She went missing 7/2019. Her body was found 12/2020. I see nothing about her husband being charged. Or anything on this since "2020". Strange silence. I couldn't even find her cause of death

That's the one. And yep. Last I knew it had gotten quite although posters would still discuss it. I don't remember any resolution or proof of accident. But maybe I missed something, haven't checked it or thought of it in ages.