Erin Corwin, 19 year-old - Pregnant military wife missing since June 28, 2014 - San Bernardino County, CA

Search for missing Marine wife continues, new warrant details emerge (Video)

Posted: Jul 19, 2014 12:09 AM CDT
Updated: Jul 19, 2014 1:12 AM CDT

By David Gotfredson, Field Producer


Marine wife Erin Corwin, age 20

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (CBS 8) -- There is new information in the case of a pregnant Marine wife who has been missing for three weeks from her home in Twentynine Palms.

CBS News 8 has confirmed the names of a former Marine and his wife, who lived in an apartment that was searched on the Marine base.  That ex-Marine also volunteered at the same horse ranch as the missing woman.

~Snipped~

Two of the warrants were served at an apartment complex on Jasmine Dr. at the Twentynine Palms Marine base.

CBS News 8 has learned that Corporal Lee and his wife Nichole lived in apartment “D” where one of the warrants was served.  The other warrant was served at apartment "F" where, according to a Corwin family member, Erin Corwin lived with her husband, Corporal Jonathan Corwin, 21.

In a telephone interview, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Randy Naquin said neither Corporal Lee nor his wife have been named as suspects in Corwin’s disappearance.

~Snipped~

CBS News 8 requested public military records for Corporal Lee from the Twentynine Palms base. Marine spokesperson Capt. Justin Smith sent us the following responses in a series of emails:

Cpl. Christopher B. Lee, 24, was discharged from the Marine Corps on July 7, 2014 and is currently serving in the Individual Ready Reserve. Cpl. Lee served as a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division.

Read more:

http://www.cbs8.com/story/26058825/search-for-missing-marine-wife-continues-new-warrant-details-emerge

(Excerpt from PEOPLE's article, link below)

07/18/2014 at 06:20 PM EDT

"Investigation Underway

While acknowledging "it's an active investigation that, at some point, could turn into a criminal investigation," Cindy Bachman, a spokeswoman for the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department, tells PEOPLE: "We haven't located any solid evidence that has established this as a criminal investigation. We haven't identified anyone as a suspect or a person of interest."

"At this time," she adds, "it's a missing-person investigation and a search for a missing person."

"We need to let the investigators continue to do what they're doing," she says.

Corwin's hopeful family has established a Facebook page directing anyone with information to call 760-366-4175."

http://www.people.com/article/missing-marine-wife-erin-corwin-left-with-man-witness

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Search Continues for Erin Corwin: Missing for Three Weeks

Posted: Jul 19, 2014 10:05 PM CDT
Updated: Jul 19, 2014 10:06 PM CDT
By Angela Monroe

TWENTYNINE PALMS -- The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department searched several different locations Saturday for Erin Corwin.

On Saturday, officers said they had no additional leads that they're releasing.

They said NCIS and military police have been helping them.

The sheriff's department also clarified Friday that the search for Erin Corwin has not been classified as a criminal investigation.

That is in response to widespread speculation they say is unsubstantiated, and clouding the efforts of the search.

The department says the case remains a critical missing persons investigation, and there have been no suspects or persons of interest identified.

Specialized investigators, which include homicide detectives, have been searching by ground and air for Corwin in Twentynine Palms, plus in and around Joshua Tree National Park since she went missing June 28th.

http://www.kmir.com/story/26062011/search-continues-for-erin-corwin-missing-for-three-weeks

Erin Corwin, missing Marine wife, chronicled life on Facebook

Lorraine Whetstone, The Desert Sun  12:46 a.m. PDT July 20, 2014

Erin Corwin has been missing for 23 days. She vanished without a trace, but left behind a chronicle of her young life.

The ring was slipped into an order of French fries at Cracker Barrel.

"Is that what I think it is?" Facebook friend Christina Moore asked.

"lol no," responded Erin Corwin — Erin Heavilin at the time. The post, which featured a picture of a ring on her left hand, was punctuated with a smiley face icon.

Corwin's disappearance from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms has sparked a massive search and prompted pleas for help and prayers from thousands in the past three weeks. Many have found her Facebook page, where she meticulously documents her journey from teenager to married woman to soon-to-be mother.

She notes "getting a phone!!! w/ texting!!!!!!" in 2010 and "JUST DROVE A CAR!" and "PROM TONIGHT!" in 2011.

Typical teenage fare.

In her hometown of Oak Ridge, Tenn., she went shooting, rode horses bareback, worked at a Tractor Supply Co. store and was a fixture at a local horse rescue. There are pictures of puppies, a tiger cat named "Fonz," and her embracing a horse in a pose, the two cheek-to-cheek, both decked out in purple.

~Snipped~

Four search warrants were served in the 24 hours following Corwin's disappearance: Two for apartments D and F at 6650 Jasmine Drive on the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, one for a dark-colored Jeep with Alaska license plates, and another for Erin Corwin's car.

DOCUMENTCLOUD
Search Warrant 4
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/1222306-search-warrant-4.html

DOCUMENTCLOUD
Search Warrant 3
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/1222305-search-warrant-3.html

DOCUMENTCLOUD
Search Warrant 2
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/1222304-search-warrant-2.html

DOCUMENTCLOUD
Search Warrant 1
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/1222303-search-warrant-1.html

Read more:

http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/nation/2014/07/20/erin-corwin-chronicle-facebook/12905463/

Erin Corwin: The backstory

Corwin's disappearance from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms has sparked a massive search and prompted pleas for help. (July 19, 2014) Denise Goolsby/The Desert Sun

VIDEO:

http://www.desertsun.com/videos/news/nation/california/2014/07/20/12906723/

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("Jonathan Corwin said that Erin found out that she was pregnant two weeks before she went missing")

Erin's mother has said that she doesn't know where the information that she was three months pregnant come from, Erin found out that she was pregnant on Father's Day. But, she found that Erin was pregnant after she went missing.

"Take My Hand & Never Let Go" is a fixed verse on Erin's page:

"Not everyone is lucky enough to find 'the one'

But somehow I found my little piece of heaven in this crazy world.

My best friend, soulmate, and everything in between.

Jonathan Wayne Corwin. That's where my story began.

And that's where it ends."

http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/nation/2014/07/20/erin-corwin-chronicle-facebook/12905463/

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
Press Release

UPDATE - July 12, 2014

~Snipped~

"The information released during this search has been minimal due to the suspicious nature of Erin’s disappearance.  The search has shown no sign of Erin and her disappearance does not appear to be voluntary."

http://cms.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/MediaCenter/SheriffPressReleases/PressReleasesfor2014/July/UpdateTwentyninePalmsMissingPerson.aspx

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"The search is concentrated on a 200-mile swath in and around the national park. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has released few details because, according to a Friday evening press release, Corwin's disappearance "does not appear to be voluntary."

http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/crime_courts/2014/07/11/erin-corwin-jonathan-corwin/12557135/

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Three days after the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department stated that Erin Corwin's disappearance didn't appear to be voluntary, a 'witness' comes forward saying that he saw Erin on the day of her disappearance getting into a man's red car and that "she appeared to be entering the vehicle voluntarily".

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Witness says missing Marine wife had rendezvous with man in red car

Posted: Jul 15, 2014 7:36 PM CDT
Updated: Jul 16, 2014 1:42 PM CDT

~Snipped~

Beasley said Corwin appeared to be entering the red vehicle voluntarily.

“They were just sitting and chatting. If she wanted to get out of the car and say, ‘I don't want to be in this car,' she could have,” said Beasley.

~Snipped~

Jessica Beasley, Michael’s sister, also remembers seeing the blue car before authorities found it. However, she remembers the vehicle being closer to the road than the location it was ultimately found by investigators.

~Snipped~

“Somebody had to have moved that car further in (away from the road) maybe about a 100 feet or so further in,” said Michael Beasley.

http://www.cbs8.com/story/26028006/witness-says-missing-marine-wife-had-rendezvous-with-man-in-red-car

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How does the witness know that Erin Corwin was the person who got into the red car? Did he know her personally? Or did he see photos of her and believed that  the person that he saw on that particular day was Erin because the person resembled her?. Perhaps what he saw is not even related to the case. On the other hand, he might had witnessed the disposal of Erin's car.

Just wondering ....

Search for Corwin continues, investigation not classified as criminal

Posted at 11:37 am July 20, 2014
By John Huotari

Three weeks after she disappeared, the search for an Oak Ridge woman living in southern California continues, but it has not been classified as a criminal investigation, authorities said Friday.

~Snipped~

Authorities have said Corwin’s disappearance is suspicious and does not appear to be voluntary. So far, though, they have not announced finding any signs of her.

~Snipped~

Corwin was reported to have been going to the park to look for places for her and her mother, Lore Heavilin of Oak Ridge, to take photos during Lore’s visit to California to celebrate Erin’s birthday on July 15. They were also planning a trip to San Diego to visit Sea World and the San Diego Zoo.

Read more:

http://oakridgetoday.com/2014/07/20/search-corwin-continues-investigation-classified-criminal/

"According to local media reports, Jonathan Corwin told investigators his wife -- a volunteer who worked with mistreated horses -- wanted to scout out the park in advance of a planned family visit. The Corwins are originally from Oak Ridge, Tenn., and Erin Corwin's mother had planned to visit her for her birthday in the coming weeks. Mother and daughter had already purchased tickets to visit SeaWorld, authorities said, and Erin Corwin had no known medical or psychological issues."

 Locate Erin  - 6 hours ago

Crews are out again this weekend searching for Erin. We are hoping that the weather is not too intense so that they can search throughout the entire day. At this time, the sheriff's department is still not accepting any volunteers to aid in the search. If the search is opened up to the public, we will post so that anyone interested can assist. We are seeing a lot of comments and frustration about the lack of information being given to the public regarding this case. The lack of information given to the public is not uncommon while any investigation of this kind is taking place and we continue to ask for followers of this page to understand and respect that fact. Thank you all for your continued support!



https://www.facebook.com/LocateErin

Erin Corwin acquaintance Christopher Lee arrested

Brett Kelman, The Desert Sun   2:33 p.m. PDT July 21, 2014

A High Desert man who is an acquaintance of missing Marine wife Erin Corwin has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a destructive device, but authorities won't say whether the arrest is related to the Corwin search.

Christopher Lee, 24, was arrested on Friday, July 4, after the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department searched a home in the 700 block of Geronimo Trail in Yucca Valley.

Although the Twentynine Palms resident was arrested more than two weeks ago, the sheriff's department did not release information about his arrest until Monday. The release announcing the arrests said the detectives attached to the search worked in the homicide department.

Officer Jodi Miller, a spokeswoman for the sheriff's department, would not say if Lee's arrest was related to the search for Corwin. However, when asked for an update on the search for the missing woman, Miller's first response was to mention the arrest of Lee. According to the release, Lee was booked into the Morongo Basin Jail. He was released on July 6 after posting bail.

Read more:

http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/crime_courts/2014/07/21/erin-corwin-christopher-lee-arrest/12961823/

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department

Press Release

DATE/TIME:        Monday, July 21, 2014
INCIDENT:          Possession of a Destructive Device
LOCATION:         700 block of Geronimo Trail, Yucca Valley
SUSPECT(S):      Christopher Brandon Lee, age 24 a resident of Twentynine Palms  
VICTIM(S):         State of California

Summary

On Friday, July 4, 2014, investigators from the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigation Division were executing a search warrant at a residence in the 700 block of Geronimo Trail in Yucca Valley.  Investigators located a destructive device inside the residence.  The device was found to belong to the suspect, Christopher Brandon Lee.  Lee was subsequently arrested, transported and booked into the Morongo Basin jail.  Lee was released from custody of July 6, 2014, after posting bail.  

Anyone with any information regarding this investigation is urged to call Sergeant Trevis Newport or Detective Daniel Hanke at (909) 387-3589 at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Specialized Investigation Division. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).

http://cms.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/MediaCenter/SheriffPressReleases/PressReleasesfor2014/July/YuccaValleyPossessionofDestructiveDevice.aspx

Erin Corwin acquaintance Christopher Lee arrested

Brett Kelman, The Desert Sun   2:54 p.m. PDT July 21, 2014

~Snipped~

When pressed, Miller said Lee was arrested as a result of a search warrant in "an ongoing investigation."She repeatedly refused to say if that was the investigation of Corwin's disappearance.

"It was a search warrant in connection with an ongoing investigation, however we have not named a specific person of interest or a specific suspect," Miller said. "It's an ongoing investigation, and with that investigation, there are a number of people who have been interviewed."

The Desert Sun has confirmed that Lee and Corwin both worked at the White Rock Horse Rescue Ranch in Yucca Valley. The ranch has said that Corwin was a volunteer who worked with horses. Photos on the ranch website show Lee working with a horse at the ranch.

http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/crime_courts/2014/07/21/erin-corwin-christopher-lee-arrest/12961823/?sf28800445=

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White Rock Horse Rescue
733 Geronimo Trail
Yucca Valley, CA 92284

http://www.whiterockhorserescueca.org/

Erin Corwin acquaintance Christopher Lee arrested

Brett Kelman, The Desert Sun   5:57 p.m. PDT July 21, 2014

~Snipped~

Authorities have been searching for her ever since. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has repeatedly said the case is not criminal, and that they have no suspects, but court documents obtained by The Desert Sun on Monday show otherwise.

The investigation has come to focus on Lee, Corwin's next door neighbor, who may have been the father of her child, according to an affidavit filed in the by Detective Corey Emom. In the affidavit, Emom wrote that he had reviewed text messages — sent by Corwin to a friend — confirming her romantic relationship with Lee, and that the couple had taken a day trip to celebrate Corwin's pregnancy on the day she disappeared.

~Snipped~

Emom's affidavit also reveals that investigators found 10 spent .40-caliber bullet casings in Lee's Jeep, and that tire tracks found behind the Twentynine Palms Marine base link the Jeep to Corwin's car.

Corwin's car, a blue Toyota sedan, was found near the base's back gate on June 30, two days after she disappeared.

According to the newly released court documents, police found a single set of shoe tracks at Corwin's abandoned vehicle. The tracks led from the driver side door of her Toyota and then disappeared next to a set of tire tracks. The court document states that tracks found at the scene are "consistent" with the tire tracks left by Lee's Jeep.

Read more:

http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/crime_courts/2014/07/21/erin-corwin-christopher-lee-arrest/12961823/?sf28800445=1

Erin Corwin Search Affidavit





According to the Statement of Probable Cause, Nicole Lee, Christopher Lee's wife, made some very incriminating statements. See Page 9 of 12 above.

Search Warrant served at the White Rock Horse Rescue Ranch in Yucca Valley, where Christopher Lee was staying.

(Page 1 through 14)

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/1225468-1765-001.html

Contributed by: Nick Bolland, The Desert Sun

Erin Corwin lover Christopher Lee arrested, freed

Brett Kelman, The Desert Sun  7:33 p.m. PDT July 21, 2014


Christopher Brandon Lee (Photo: Provided by Yucca Valley’s White Rock Horse Rescue)

High Desert law enforcement believe that a pregnant Marine spouse who has been missing for more than three weeks may have been shot while hunting with an ex-Marine with whom she was having an affair.

On the day she disappeared, Erin Corwin, 20, had planned to meet with her neighbor, Christopher Brandon Lee, 24, to spend a "special day together" on a hunting trip, according to documents filed in a Joshua Tree courthouse.

The day trip was meant to celebrate Corwin's pregnancy, but detectives said Lee was afraid his wife would discover their affair.

"It is highly likely that Erin could have been harmed by an unknown firearm," detectives wrote in court documents. "Sometime after Erin left with Lee, her phone was deactivated (turned off). Detectives believe if Erin was injured and left at an undisclosed location, she would not (be) able to call for help."

Read more:

http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/crime_courts/2014/07/21/erin-corwin-christopher-lee-arrest/12961823/?sf28800445=1

Whoa. This came out of the blue. Breaking bad....
IF she was carrying on with this Lee neighbor, how long had they known each other?
She was a transplant to CA; was he, too?
Also, she was reported to be getting in/out of a car.
Does the description of the car match Lee's?
Has there been evide4nce recovered from Lee's car?

IMO, if she was pregnant with Lee's child, her husband and Lee would both have "easy" motive for her demise.

From above link:

Lee moved to Alaska.
He received a discharge form the Marines earlier this month.

Warrant: Evidence of murder in disappearance of Marine wife

Posted: Jul 21, 2014 10:40 PM CDT
Updated: Jul 22, 2014 9:44 AM CDT

By David Gotfredson, Field Producer
Video Report By Abbie Alford, Reporter

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (CBS 8) – Homicide investigators believe a pregnant, missing Marine wife may have been shot while on a hunting trip in the desert, according to a search warrant affidavit obtained from the Joshua Tree court on Monday by CBS News 8.

The records lay out a criminal investigation in the case of Erin Corwin, 20, who disappeared June 28 after telling her husband she was going to Joshua Tree National Park.

~Snipped~

The search warrant released Monday gave probable cause to search a Yucca Valley horse rescue ranch where both Erin and Lee volunteered, according to the affidavit.

~Snipped~

The Yucca Valley ranch is owned by Isabella Megli, who told detectives the Lee’s were preparing on moving back to Alaska.

According to the search warrant, “Nicole (Lee) told Isabella that without a body the detectives did not have a case against them and the detectives would never find the body.”

~Snipped~

In their search of the ranch and two vehicles on the premises, detectives seized .223 caliber ammunition, a .45 caliber magazine with rounds, a Canon digital camera, a utility knife, a Samsung cell phone, a blue latex glove, tan boots, "camo" pants, a U-haul truck with contents, an IPod touch, and a homemade destructive device known as a potato launcher.

Read more:

http://www.cbs8.com/story/26076047/warrant-evidence-of-murder-in-disappearance-of-marine-wife

SB County Sheriff @sbcountysheriff   ·  46m  
Twenty-nine Palms- Updated information regarding the search for Erin Corwin.
nixle.us/8FZTY

https://twitter.com/sbcountysheriff

-----------------------------------

SBSD - Headquarters

Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 :: 12:21 p.m. PDT

Advisory  Twenty-nine Palms- Updated information regarding the search for Erin Corwin.

DATE/TIME: June 29, 2014 **UPDATE – July 22, 2014**

INCIDENT: Missing Person Investigation – UPDATE

LOCATION: Twentynine Palms

VICTIM(S): Erin Corwin, age 19 of Twentynine Palms

SUMMARY:
Detectives have received information regarding possible locations to be searched for potential evidence of foul play regarding the disappearance of 19-year-old Erin Corwin. The information is the result of an extensive three-week investigation.

“We are looking for a crime scene,” said Leland Boldt, the captain of the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigation Division.

Investigators from the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigation Division have spoken to numerous persons who knew Erin prior to her disappearance looking for any and all information that may lead them to Erin’s whereabouts. It is imperative investigators determine whether or not there was foul play, Sgt. Trevis Newport said. Search warrants have been executed as part of this investigation to assist investigators in determining what may have occurred.

Further information regarding the facts outlined in the search warrant will not be discussed. It is unfortunate such extensive details were released regarding this investigation because it can affect the outcome of the case. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has a responsibility to Erin’s family, her loved ones and her unborn child to provide answers regarding her disappearance. It is essential the integrity of the investigation be maintained in order for justice to be served.

Read more:

http://local.nixle.com/alert/5237878/

Advisory  Twenty-nine Palms- Updated information regarding the search for Erin Corwin.

~Snipped~

Although suspicious circumstances have existed from the inception of this investigation there is still not enough evidence to rule out that Erin Corwin could be voluntarily missing. It is crucial all acquaintances be contacted and interviewed, in an effort to solve the case.

Investigators continue to ask anyone with information about Erin Corwin is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigation Division at (909) 387-3589 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (909) 387-8313. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com

Refer: Sergeant Trevis Newport or Detective Daniel Hanke
Station: Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail
Phone No. (909) 387-3589
Case No.: 201400900

http://local.nixle.com/alert/5237878/

Erin Corwin case: Police looking for 'crime scene'

Brett Kelman, The Desert Sun   5:30 p.m. EDT July 22, 2014


Erin Corwin. Photo posted on her Facebook page on June 27, 2014
(Photo: Provided photo)

High Desert law enforcement says that "suspicious circumstances" exist in the disappearance of Marine wife Erin Corwin, but it's still possible that the pregnant Marine wife from Oak Ridge may have run off on her own accord.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department issued a release midday Tuesday saying that investigators have searched several locations over the past three weeks "for potential evidence of foul play," but there is still not enough evidence to rule out that Corwin "could be voluntarily missing."

"We are looking for a crime scene," said Leland Boldt, the captain of the department's Specialized Investigation Division.

Read more:

http://www.wbir.com/story/news/2014/07/22/erin-corwin-case-police-looking-for-crime-scene/13011635/

Neighbor allegedly said body of Marine's missing wife won't be found

By Veronica Rocha
July 23, 2014, 7:31 AM

The wife of a man who is suspected of having an affair with the missing pregnant wife of a U.S. Marine allegedly told a witness "detectives would never find her body," according to a search warrant made public this week..

The wife of Christopher Lee told the witness, Isabella Megli of Yucca Valley, who was subsequently interviewed by detectives, that without 19-year-old Erin Corwin's body, investigators "did not have a case against them," according to a search warrant issued July 8 in San Bernardino County Superior Court.

~Snipped~

Lee, who was Corwin's neighbor, had reportedly planned to take Corwin on a hunting trip the same day she disappeared. But in an interview with investigators, he said he ended up going alone.

He also acknowledged being "romantically involved" with Corwin, but denied any sexual relationship, according to the warrant.

Read more:

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-neighbor-marine-missing-wife-body-20140723-story.html

Freckles wrote:Whoa. This came out of the blue. Breaking bad....
IF she was carrying on with this Lee neighbor, how long had they known each other?
She was a transplant to CA; was he, too?
Also, she was reported to be getting in/out of a car.
Does the description of the car match Lee's?
Has there been evide4nce recovered from Lee's car?

IMO, if she was pregnant with Lee's child, her husband and Lee would both have "easy" motive for her demise.

Hi Freckles,

Christopher Lee was her neighbor at the base and both of them volunteered at the horse rescue ranch. It hasn't been reported when exactly they met.
Yes, he was a transplant from Alaska.
Michael Beasley allegedly saw Erin on the day of her disappearance getting into a man's red car (near where her car was found).
The description of the car doesn't match Lee's. He owns a Jeep Cherokee.
Investigators found 10 spent .40-caliber bullet casings in Lee's Jeep during a search. But the .40-caliber weapon hasn't been recovered.

This is a very convoluted story, I think there are more unpleasant surprises in store.

Erin Corwin family begins raising funds for reward

Brett Kelman, The Desert Sun 6:31 p.m. PDT July 23, 2014


Erin Corwin

The family and friends of missing Marine wife Erin Corwin have launched an online fundraising campaign in an effort to assist the ongoing search by raising enough money for a cash reward.

Over the past two weeks, this campaign has raised about $2,800, mostly through small donations.

Corwin disappeared on June 28, after she left her Twentynine Palms home, saying she was headed to Joshua Tree National Park. Her husband, Cpl. Jonathan Corwin, reported his wife missing the next day. Her car was found near the back gate of the Twentynine Palms Marine base one day after that.

Read more:

http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/nation/california/2014/07/23/erin-corwin-family-reward-fund/13074147/?utm_medium=%5B%27twitter%27%5D&utm_source=%5B%27dlvr.it%27%5D

Support for Erin Corwin

http://supporterincorwin.weebly.com/?fb_action_ids=10152591069834769&fb_action_types=weeblyapp:share

Erin Corwin friend: Police 'put a spin' on her remarks

Brett Kelman, The Desert Sun 10:33 a.m. PDT July 26, 2014

A High Desert woman who was questioned as part of the search for a missing Marine wife has insisted that detectives exaggerated her statements in court documents, twisting her words to shift suspicion onto the neighbors of the missing woman.

Isabel Megli, owner of the White Rock Horse Rescue Ranch in Yucca Valley, said Friday that she never told detectives that Nichole Lee said police had "missed something" when they searched her garage. Megli said several other statements attributed to her by detectives were taken out of context.

"They put a spin on it," Megli told The Desert Sun. "I'm am not going to say I didn't say it, but it definitely wasn't the whole of what I said."

Read more:

http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/crime_courts/2014/07/26/erin-corwin-isabel-megli-investigation/13202339/

Wild guess here but I would say, "Follow the trail."
Follow the horse trail, that is.
My gut is telling me the two of them met up for a ride and she didn't come back.
Any abandoned mines, water shafts in the area?

I do not know whether the backgate area of the base had been checked the night she disappeared. Are there cameras in the area?
Who would know if there were NO cameras there? Her car was found by the backgate but had it been there long?

Erin Corwin missing now for a month

Colin Atagi, The Desert Sun 5:20 p.m. PDT July 28, 2014

It's been a month since pregnant Marine wife Erin Corwin of Twentynine Palms disappeared.

Her husband, Cpl. Jonathan Corwin, who's stationed at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, said she told him she was headed to Joshua Tree National Park on June 28, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. He reported her missing the next day.

Sheriff's spokeswoman Jodi Miller said Monday there are "no new developments."

"It's my understanding there was a physical search this weekend, but there are no specifics on where the search was," she said. "The investigators asked we don't disclose locations."

Read more:

http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/crime_courts/2014/07/28/erin-corwin-missing-anniversary/13299585/

Pregnant Marine wife missing for one month; horse ranch owner speaks out

Posted: Jul 28, 2014 7:46 PM CDT
Updated: Jul 28, 2014 11:33 PM CDT

By David Gotfredson, Field Producer
Video Report By Carlo Cecchetto, Anchor

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- (CBS 8) It has been one month to the day since a pregnant Marine wife disappeared in Twentynine Palms.

Now, we are hearing form a horse ranch owner who is a key witness in the ongoing search for Erin Corwin.

“She (Erin) was very calm, a very calm person on a horse especially,” said Isabelle Megli, owner of White Rock Horse Rescue in Yucca Valley.

In a telephone interview with CBS News 8 on Monday, Megli said Corwin, 20, started volunteering at the horse rescue ranch in October 2013.

(Video(s)/Audio Clips)

Read more:

http://www.cbs8.com/story/26134550/pregnant-marine-wife-missing-for-one-month-horse-ranch-owner-speaks-out

From above link:
http://www.cbs8.com/story/26134550/pregnant-marine-wife-missing-for-one-month-horse-ranch-owner-speaks-out


" ... The list of search warrants that are now sealed or partially sealed at the Joshua Tree courthouse include recent 2014 warrants numbered 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 122, 123 and 124...."

Some of the warrants are available.
They are lengthy PDF files so I will share the links only.

114: 11 pages
See item 115
http://ftpcontent.worldnow.com/kfmb/misc/apt_f.pdf


115: 11 pages
6650 Jasamine St Apt D, Twenty Nine Palms. CA
All items within the apt, the garage, storage bins, trash collection areas; biological as well
1http://ftpcontent.worldnow.com/kfmb/misc/apt_d.pdf

116: 11 pages
Toyota sedan 2013 w/ CA plates; containers, fluids.
http://ftpcontent.worldnow.com/kfmb/misc/toyota.pdf


117: 12 pages
Jeep Cherokee w/ Alaska plates; bio to be collected. fluids., etc.
http://ftpcontent.worldnow.com/kfmb/misc/jeep.pdf

118
No link

119: 14 pages
899 Geronimo Trail, Yucca Valley
Many items seized including vehicles, guns, ammo, computers, etc.
http://ftpcontent.worldnow.com/kfmb/misc/warrant_corwin.pdf

120
No link

121
No link

122
No link

123
No link

124
No link

Erin Corwin case: Christopher Lee arrested in Alaska

Colin Atagi, The Desert Sun 10:38 a.m. PDT August 18, 2014

Christopher Lee, the suspected lover of missing Marine wife Erin Corwin, has been arrested in Alaska.

Lee is being held on a federal hold, and no information about his charges was available Monday morning, said Cynthia Kott, a booking clerk at the Anchorage Correctional Complex.

It has not yet been confirmed if Lee's arrest is in relation to Corwin's disappearance, however, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department have schedule a press conference about the missing woman at noon.

Read more:

http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/crime_courts/2014/08/18/erin-corwin-san-bernardino/14232723/

Neighbor of missing Marine wife Erin Corwin arrested

Posted: Aug 18, 2014 12:05 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 18, 2014 12:37 PM CDT

By David Gotfredson, Field Producer


Christopher Lee, 24

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (CBS 8) -- The alleged lover of a missing Marine wife is behind bars in Anchorage, Alaska after an extensive search was conducted over the weekend for Erin Corwin in Twentynine Palms.

The nature of the charges against Cpl. Christopher Brandon Lee could not be immediately confirmed. A clerk at the Anchorage Correctional Complex said federal agents arrested Lee at 10 p.m. on August 17. He is being held at the jail until federal agents pick him up, the clerk said.

San Bernardino County Sheriff Department investigators have scheduled a news conference Monday at noon.

Read more:

http://www.cbs8.com/story/26306835/breaking-news-neighbor-of-missing-marine-wife-erin-corwin-arrested

SB County Sheriff @sbcountysheriff · 3h

Sheriff McMahon will hold a press conference today,12:00 p.m. to release new information regarding the disappearance of Erin Corwin.

https://twitter.com/sbcountysheriff

"Alaska Department of Corrections confirms to KESQ/CBS Local 2 that there is a Christopher Brandon Lee in custody in Anchorage jail but could not confirm the charges or what they were connected to."

http://m.kesq.com/news/sb-county-sheriff-calls-news-conf-today-to-update-corwin-case/27584566

Alleged lover of Marine's missing pregnant wife arrested in Alaska

Published August 18, 2014 · Associated Press

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – The alleged lover of the pregnant missing wife of a U.S. Marine based in Southern California has been arrested in Alaska on a federal warrant.

Cynthia Kott, a booking clerk at the Anchorage Correctional Complex, said Monday that Cpl. Christopher Brandon Lee was arrested at 10 p.m. Sunday. A law enforcement official who was not authorized to speak before a noon news conference and requested anonymity said the arrest was in the killing of Corwin.

Read more:

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/08/18/alleged-lover-marine-missing-pregnant-wife-arrested-in-alaska/

Press Conference Live

HERE:

http://m.kesq.com/watch-live-news-channel-3-cbs-local-2-news/23569678

TDSColinAtagi ‏@TDSColinAtagi · 5m
A closer shot of Christopher Lee mugshot #erincorwin @MyDesert

https://twitter.com/MyDesert

The Desert Sun @MyDesert · 31s
Christopher Lee arrested for homicide in connection to Corwin's death, Sheriff's Department says.

The Desert Sun @MyDesert · 22s
#Breaking: Erin Corwin's body found in mineshaft, San Bernadino County Sheriff's says.

More ...

https://twitter.com/MyDesert

SB County Sheriff‏@sbcountysheriff
"Erin's body was recovered Sunday at approx. 6:30 PM... Forensic Odontologist made a positive id using dental records

https://twitter.com/sbcountysheriff

SB County Sheriff @sbcountysheriff · 11s
"Erin's body was recovered Sunday at approx. 6:30 PM... Forenssic


SB County Sheriff @sbcountysheriff · 1m
"On Saturday August 16th Erin Corwin's body was discovered in a 140 ft mine shaft.."

More ...

https://twitter.com/sbcountysheriff

SB County Sheriff‏ @sbcountysheriff
"...hard work of the detectives and technology led us to Erin" Sgt. Newport

SB County Sheriff @sbcountysheriff     ·   14s    
Homicide Sgt. Trevis Newport "... conducted interviews, looked at evidence and determined Lee was the most likely suspect.."

SB County Sheriff @sbcountysheriff     ·   40s    
DA Michael Ramos @sbcountyda "In 48 hours a decision will be made on the official charges..."

SB County Sheriff @sbcountysheriff     ·   4m    
Fire Chief Hartwig @SBCOUNTYFIRE "We made two entries, one to collect evidence and one to rescue the remains"

More ...

https://twitter.com/sbcountysheriff

Erin Corwin body found; Christopher Lee arrested

Colin Atagi and Brett Kelman, The Desert Sun  12:21 p.m. PDT August 18, 2014

Christopher Lee, the suspected lover of missing Marine wife Erin Corwin, has been arrested in Alaska on suspicion of killing Corwih. Corwin’s body was found Saturday afternoon in a 140-deep mineshaft in the high desert.

Lee, 24, is being held on a federal hold, said Cynthia Kott, a booking clerk at the Anchorage Correctional Complex.

~Snipped~

Lee, 24, is an Ex-Marine, originally from Anchorage, who lived next to the Corwin couple at the desert base. Lee left the base in early July, only a few days after Corwin vanished, then moved back to Alaska with his wife and daughter.

Lee’s arrest comes about a month after he was first identified as a focal point in the Corwin investigation.

Read more:

http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/crime_courts/2014/08/18/erin-corwin-san-bernardino/14232723/

Man Who Allegedly Had Affair With Missing Marine Wife Arrested in Alaska

Nineteen-year-old Erin Corwin went missing June 28 from Twentynine Palms

By Kelly Goff

Monday, Aug 18, 2014 • Updated at 12:34 PM PDT

A man who allegedly had an affair with the missing pregnant wife of a Marine based in Southern California has been arrested in Alaska and charged with her murder, officials said Monday.

Christopher Brandon Lee, 24, was arrested at about 10 p.m. Sunday night, a clerk for the Anchorage Correctional complex said. He is being held until federal agents arrive to transport him.

He was charged with homicide after Erin Corwin's body was located August 17 at the bottom of a 140-foot mine shaft.

Her manner of death was determined to be homicide, San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner John McMahon said.

Read more:

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Alleged-Lover-of-Missing-Marine-Wife-Arrested-in-Alaska-271710971.html

SB County Sheriff @sbcountysheriff · 37m
DA Michael Ramos "if Lee does not waive extradition he should be back in our county in 4 to 5 weeks.."

https://twitter.com/sbcountysheriff

SBSD - Headquarters

Monday August 18th, 2014 :: 01:08 p.m. PDT

***UPDATE*** The Search for Erin Corwin Concludes. Christopher Lee in Custody in Anchorage Alaska.

DATE/TIME: June 29, 2014 **UPDATE – August 18, 2014**

INCIDENT: Missing Person Investigation – Murder Investigation

LOCATION: Twentynine Palms

VICTIM: Erin Corwin, age 19 of Twentynine Palms

SUSPECT: Christopher Brandon Lee, 24, Anchorage, Alaska – In custody

UPDATE:
During the nearly eight week extensive investigation and search, using forensics and technology, Detectives were able to identify a possible location of Erin Corwin.

The search area covered approximately 300 square miles, including the areas of Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms, Amboy, Twentynine Palms Marine Corp Base and areas covered by Bureau of Land Management. Aerial searches identified more than 100 mine shafts and numerous bodies of water that were searched by the Technical Cave and Mine Teams and Specialized Dive Teams. Nearly 5,000 volunteer hours were dedicated to this search.

On Saturday, August 16, 2014, the search teams focused on the areas of Rose of Peru Mining District, Brooklyn Mining District and Los Angeles Mining District. At approximately 4:30 p.m., using video equipment, a body was located in a mine shaft approximately 140 feet below.

On Sunday, due to the depth and air quality of the mine shaft, County Fire Urban Search and Rescue Team responded to assist in the recovery. The recovery was complete at 6:30 p.m. At 9:30 p.m. our Forensic Odontologist, made a positive identification using dental records. At 10:00 p.m. Christopher Lee was arrested in Anchorage, Alaska for the murder of Erin Corwin.

An autopsy was conducted today and the manner of death has been determined to be homicide.

The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released as new information becomes available.

Read more:

http://local.nixle.com/alert/5252322/

Wow. Lots of links to follow up.
Good to see movement on the case.
While I would have preferred Erin was found alive and safe, in that terrain it would have been unlikely.

Kudos for the Marine Corps and that particular base, and the San Bernardino Sheriff's Dept for staying with this case.

From above link:
http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/crime_courts/2014/08/18/erin-corwin-san-bernardino/14232723/

" .... .....Ex-Marine Christopher Lee was arrested Sunday night for the killing of Erin Corwin, a missing Marine wife who was found crumpled at the bottom of a 140-foot mineshaft in a remote area of the High Desert.

Authorities have also said that Lee’s wife, Nichole Lee, is a “person of interest” in the death.

Corwin’s body was located Saturday afternoon by specialized mine search teams, who used cameras to explore and area containing more than 100 mine shafts, probing for the missing woman. An urban search and rescue team recovered the body on Sunday, and dental records were used to ensure it was Corwin.

The mine was on federal land, a few miles southeast of Twentynine Palms, outside of Joshua Tree National Park.

A warrant for Lee’s arrest was issued after the body was found. An autopsy confirmed that Corwin was the victim of a homicide, but the cause of death has not been released."

News Conference:
Link from above:

http://m.kesq.com/watch-live-news-channel-3-cbs-local-2-news/23569678

Excellent.

Trying to locate Peru, CA.
According to this link, it is much further north than I thot.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peru,_California

Oops. My error.
Correct description is mining town of Rose of Peru, CA....

http://www.undergroundexplorers.com/pictures.htm

http://www.myjeeprocks.com/forums/showthread.php/17135-Gold-Crown-Road-Mines
(" ... ....This is a link to a trail report from another group that was out there last weekend and had a great time:
http://www.socalfjcruiserforums.com/...ead.php?t=5005.

A quote from their trip post:
"We will start on Gold Crown Road and Hwy 62. This should help us miss the worst part of
the Brooklyn Mine road where body damage was almost certain. We will pass the OK, Virgina Dale,
Gold Rose, Rose of Peru, Los Angeles, Gold Standard and Brooklyn mines.
Then as we turn back out of the area we will pass Sunset, Golden Egg, Duplex, and Mission mines.
That is a lot of mines, so there should be lots of stuff to see."")

Map of Twenty Nine Palms, CA.
It is just south of the I 40 and west of Joshua Tree...

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Marine+Air+Ground+Task+Force+Training+Command/@34.448328,-116.135943,166221m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x80c536bded3eabb1:0x8a724b1dc06527b5

Using the above map:
Go west on I 40 to the intersection of I 15 and I 40.
Continue west past Newberry Springs.
Turn on I 15 and travel south a few miles to road marker 58. Near Barstow.
Do you see the town of Hinkley?
This is the town documented in the 2000 movie Erin Brockovich.