Stephanie Elizabeth Perez dies in fatal Ventura County murder-suicide

Stephanie Elizabeth Perez dies in fatal Ventura County murder-suicide

Fatal Ventura County murder-suicide death of Stephanie Elizabeth Perez – Obituary

Authorities in Ventura County have identified the woman found deceased near Sunrise Trail and Autumn Trail as 65-year-old Stephanie Elizabeth Perez, a resident of Simi Valley. Her death has been confirmed as a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the head.

The tragic discovery was made on May 4, 2025, when a hiker came across the skeletal remains of two individuals and contacted local law enforcement. Upon investigation, the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Stephanie Perez had been fatally shot, while 64-year-old Jose Luis Perez, also of Simi Valley, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The investigation points to a murder-suicide involving the couple, who had both been reported missing in July 2024. Law enforcement believes this was an isolated event involving only the two individuals, who were known to each other.

Several agencies, including the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit, Thousand Oaks Police Department, Crime Scene Investigations, Search and Rescue, and the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency, assisted in the case.

Detective Robert DeLaCerda continues to investigate and encourages anyone with further details to come forward. Ventura County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest, if new developments suggest the involvement of any additional parties. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477).