Missing Man Found Dead After Vehicle Abandoned In Temecula: Authorities

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — The body of missing 61-year-old Francisco Torres was discovered over the weekend in San Diego County, authorities said. Torres' vehicle was found earlier this month in Temecula and a man wanted for questioning in the disappearance killed himself in a standoff with police not long after Torres was reported missing, according to authorities.

Torres, of Pauma Valley, was identified Sunday by the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office after his remains were discovered Saturday near Highways 79 and 371 in Warner Springs, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

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Torres’ death is being investigated as a homicide, authorities said, adding the only suspect is the deceased 66-year-old Derek Arnett.

Torres was reported missing by his family on May 12 and his vehicle was found abandoned near a Temecula Park, according to authorities, who said they identified Arnett as a person wanted for questioning in the case.

Investigators found Arnett on May 13 in his vehicle in the area of Wolf Valley Road and Wolf Valley Creek Drive in Temecula, authorities said. The vehicle stopped in a parking lot off Pechanga Parkway, according to authorities, who, believing Arnett may have had a weapon, called in an emergency services team.

Deputies found Arnett with injuries from a self-inflicted gunshot and he was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact investigators at 951-955-2777 or 951-696-3000, according to the sheriff's office.