15834 Highland Valley Road, unincorporated Poway October 24, 9:20, a.m. Sheriff’s Dept. 33.067071, -116.986841

Deputies from the Poway Patrol Station attempted to locate two adults, male and female, who were reported missing. Deputies went to the location at Highland Valley Road that these two adults were last seen by neighbors on October 22, at midnight, as the Witch Creek Fire was approaching and evacuation orders were given.

Deputies found the residence completely destroyed by the fire. The two missing adults were not located and there were no human remain s located “during a cursory check of the rubble,” according to Sgt. M.J. Strong.

Later that day, at 6:10 p.m., Sheriff’s Search and Rescue personnel conducted an extensive examination of the area. At 7:35 p.m., the remains of one person was found. A second set of remains was recovered from the rubble at 12:30 a.m..

The Sheriff’s Department Bomb/Arson Unit and County Medical Examiner’s Office are conducting an investigation on this matter.

It should be noted that should the Witch Creek Fire be classified as intentional arson, these deaths would be classified as homicides and any person charged and convicted of the arson would also face murder charges.

Investigators are currently looking into leads of arson.