Coroner Identifies Deceased Woman as Missing Piñon Hills Resident

PIÑON HILLS, Calif. — Authorities have identified a woman whose body was discovered in the desert last week as 55-year-old Loretta Kay Colwell Pilitsis, a longtime resident of Piñon Hills who had been reported missing in May.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, deputies from the Victor Valley Station responded to the 900 block of Locust Road in Piñon Hills on Monday, May 25, 2026, at approximately 12:45 p.m. after receiving a report of a missing person.

Investigators learned that Loretta “Kay” Pilitsis had left her residence on foot and was last seen in the area of her home. Deputies launched an extensive search with assistance from the Sheriff’s Aviation Unit (40 King) and a K-9 team, but despite those efforts, she was not located.

More than a month later, on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at approximately 8:04 p.m., Victor Valley Station deputies responded to the 10600 block of Oasis Road in Piñon Hills after a reporting party discovered a deceased person in the desert.

Deputies confirmed the death and requested the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Division to respond. The Coroner later positively identified the deceased as Loretta Kay Colwell Pilitsis.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division have assumed the investigation. Authorities have not released a cause or manner of death, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact the Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904.

Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip by calling or texting 1-844-909-3006 or submit information online through the We-Tip reporting system.

Authorities have not indicated whether foul play is suspected, and no additional details have been released as investigators continue to determine the circumstances surrounding Pilitsis’ death.

Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department / Coroner’s Division.

Photo : The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department