Missing couple found dead on California hiking trip

The couple, both in their late twenties, were last seen at a candle shop on Pine Knot Road in Big Bear Lake on Wednesday

Specialised homicide detectives from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department are investigating after the bodies of a young couple were discovered near Big Bear Lake on 3 February, 2020 (San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department)

A police investigation is under way after a couple was found dead in the forest near Big Bear Lake, California.

The bodies of Ria Williams and her boyfriend, Paul Stockwell, were found by local deputies with the help of a K9 unit.

A resident of Santa Ana, Ms Williams was reported missing by a coworker on Friday, 31 January, when she did not show up for work.

Mr Stockwell, who lived locally in Big Bear, was reported missing by his father.

Ms Williams’ vehicle, a black Hyundai Veloster, was found in the parking area of the Cougar Crest Trail in the early hours of Monday morning. After a search, their bodies were discovered just after 1.30pm on Monday.

The couple, both in their late twenties, had last been seen at a candle shop on Pine Knot Road in Big Bear Lake on Wednesday, 29 January, according to missing persons flier posted to Facebook.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement that neither of the missing person reports indicated any suspicious circumstances or reason to suspect foul play.

However, due to the circumstances, specialised homicide detectives are conducting the investigation.

Autopsies will be conducted to determine the cause of death for each victim.