Cause of Death for Bodies Found Cougar Crest Trail Determined to be Suicide

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FAWNSKIN, Ca. – The deaths of a 29-year-old Big Bear man and 27-year-old Santa Ana woman in early February have both been determind to be suicide.

At around 2:18 a.m. on Monday, February 3, 2020, deputies from the Big Bear Station located a vehicle near the Cougar Crest Trail that belonged to Ria Williams. Through investigation it was learned that Williams was last seen in Big Bear on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, with her boyfriend, Paul Stockwell.

When Williams did not report to work on Friday, January 31, 2020, she was reported missing while Stockwell was also reported missing by his father. A K9 and his handler were called to search around the Cougar Crest Trail. Eventually, at around 1:30 p.m. Williams and Stockwell were located deceased around a half mile into the forest. No foul play was suspected.

Autopsy results revealed that both deaths were a result of gunshot wounds, Williams death was ruled a suicide and Stockwell’s death was also believed to be suicide based on evidence. The gun that was at the scene was registered to Stockwell.