Due to loss of daylight, the bodies were not recovered until Monday, Oct. 16. Authorities identified the bodies as Orbeso and Nguyen between Wednesday and Thursday.
Autopsies revealed injuries consistent with a gunshot wound on both bodies, the release stated.
“Based on evidence located at the scene, detectives believe Orbeso shot Nguyen, then shot himself,” the Sheriff’s Department said. “The investigation into Orbeso’s actions remain under investigation.”
The gun found near the bodies was registered to Orbeso, the Sheriff’s Department said.
The Sheriff’s Department on Friday said Orbeso was 22, but previous reporting indicates he was 21.
Orbeso’s father told local TV station KESQ Sunday that he was relieved the bodies were found.
“After going a long time on these hikes, I feel that we have closure, and we know we found them,” he said. “That was our main goal, was to find them.”
KTLA’s Melissa Pamer contributed to this article.
Article Appeared @http://ktla.com/2017/10/20/o-c-man-who-was-reported-missing-after-hike-in-joshua-tree-killed-girlfriend-then-himself-detectives-believe/