Crime & Safety

Woman Killed In SR-74 Hit-And-Run Identified, Driver Sought: CHP

The CHP is seeking information on suspicious activity after the discovery of the body last week near State Route 74 and Steinhoff Avenue.

PERRIS, CA — The identity of a 40-year-old Perris woman whose body was found off the State Route 74 one week ago was released Tuesday by the California Highway Patrol.

Caroline Melissa Davenport-Rios was positively identified by the Riverside County Coroner's Bureau. Her body was found along the SR-74 in Homeland, according to CHP Officer Jesus Garcia. She was identified by fingerprint analysis by the coroner's office, and her family has been notified.

On Aug. 12, just after 9:30 a.m., a driver reported finding a body near the intersection of SR-74 and Steinhoff Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located an adult female, later identified as Davenport-Rios, according to Garcia's report.

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Based on evidence recovered from the roadway and during the investigation, the CHP believes that she was struck by a driver sometime between Aug. 7 and Aug. 10.

The involved vehicle and driver have not been identified, according to Garcia. The CHP is asking anyone who traveled on SR-74 in the homeland area between Aug. 7 and Aug. 10, who witnessed anything unusual, or who may have surveillance or dash-camera footage of that area, to contact Temecula Area CHP.

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If you have a tip, call in to the CHP Temecula offices at 951-466-4300 or the Border Division Communications Center at 858-637-3800.

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