Big Bear: Detectives are investigating the death of Paul Stockwell and Ria Williams
DATE/TIME: Monday, February 3, 2020 2:00 a.m.
INCIDENT: Death Investigation
LOCATION: Cougar Crest Trailhead/North Shore Drive, Fawnskin
VICTIMS: #1- Paul Arthur Stockwell, Jr., 29 years old, resident of Big Bear
#2- Ria Gabriella Williams, 27 years old, resident of Santa Ana
SUMMARY:
On Monday, February 3, 2020 at 2:18 a.m. deputies from the Big Bear Station located a vehicle in the parking area near the Cougar Crest Trail that belonged to a missing person, Ria Williams. Deputies learned that Williams was last seen in Big Bear on Wednesday, January 29th with her boyfriend, Paul Stockwell. On Friday, January 31st Williams did not report to work, and a co-worker reported her missing. Stockwell had also been reported missing by his father. Neither of the missing person reports indicated any suspicious circumstances or reason to suspect foul play.
Deputies requested assistance from Deputy Ryan Girard and K9 Dare to search the Cougar Crest Trail and surrounding area. At about 1:30 p.m. a man and woman were found deceased approximately one-half mile into the forest. Due to the circumstances, Specialized Detectives from the Homicide Detail were requested to conduct the investigation.
Homicide Detectives are conducting a death investigation. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death for each victim.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information, or anyone who witnessed the incident, is asked to contact Detective Nick Craig, Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail at (909)387-3589. Callers can remain anonymous and contact WeTip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
Refer: Detective Nick Craig or Sergeant Joseph Steers
Station: Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail
Phone No. (909)387-3589
Case No. DR#062000107/162000111 H#2020-010
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Headquarters
655 E 3rd St
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 909-387-3700