OCEANSIDE, CA — Human remains found Wednesday at Palomar Mountain are not believed to be connected to the disappearance of Oceanside woman Angelica Brophy, authorities said Thursday.
A volunteer Search and Rescue team found the human remains around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in an embankment near the 33000 block of South Grade Road in Pauma Valley, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.
The Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation. The Medical Examiner's Office will determine the cause and manner of death, sheriff's officials said.
Sheriff's officials are coordinating with the Oceanside Police Department, which is in communication with Brophy's family.
"The Oceanside Police Department is aware of the discovery of human remains in the Palomar Mountain area," the department said in a news release. "At this time, the remains are not believed to be related to the missing person investigation involving Angelica Brophy."
Brophy, 44, was reported missing July 6. She was last seen that afternoon at Harrah's Resort Southern California in Valley Center before traveling to Palomar Mountain State Park, according to police. Her unoccupied vehicle was found July 9 in the parking lot of the state park, prompting an extensive search.
Multiple agencies searched the park, including ground searches and searches of a nearby pond, but Brophy was not found. Oceanside police announced July 22 that coordinated search operations had been suspended, although the investigation remained active. Detectives continued to follow investigative leads.
Authorities said there is no known threat to the community at this stage of the investigation.
Anyone with information about the remains can contact the Sheriff's Homicide Unit at 858-285-6330 or after hours at 858-868-3200. Anonymous tips can be submitted to San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
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