Body Of Missing Mission Viejo Man Found, Homicide Investigates

Mission Viejo CA

12 August, 2021

4:23 PM

Description

MISSION VIEJO, CA — Five days after being reported missing under unusual circumstances, the body of Mission Viejo resident Les Uziel, 64, was at last found. He was discovered in a remote area of the Oso Creek Trail, Orange County Sheriff's Department reported late Wednesday. Homicide investigators have taken over the case of the man who was reported missing one week ago, on Aug. 5. Officials say that they have not yet determined the cause of his death. "There was no apparent criminal nature to the mans' death, but homicide investigators will work with the coroner determine the cause of death,"OCSD Sgt. Brad Hylton tells Patch. The Orange County Coroner's Office will conduct an autopsy to determine better what happened to Uziel. Last Friday, Aug. 6, Mission Viejo Police Services officers first learned of the missing man. A hiker discovered Uziel's wallet and a pile of his clothing left along the trail in Mission Viejo. Police contacted Uziel's family for a welfare check, but they had not seen him since the day before, according to OCSD reports. An investigation into his whereabouts ensued. Police circled the area from the DUKE helicopter and on foot, and bloodhounds on the ground for over four hours, Hylton said. Police contacted area hospitals to see if anyone matching Uziel's description was admitted, to no avail. The Oso Creek Trail went quiet, residents say. One social media poster took a photo from the trail on Sunday, wondering where searchers were and if anyone was still looking for him. Missing Person signs were posted and shared on Facebook by those who knew the family and wanted to help. Hylton assures that the investigation did not stop. "Police used drones, which were unable to locate him, but ultimately it was search and rescue who located him," Hylton says. Search and Rescue returned to the area he was first reported missing along with bloodhounds, Tuesday, OCSD reports. It was there, near the Norman P Murray Community Center Park, where his body was ultimately discovered Wednesday evening. His family was notified at that time, according to Hylton. Anyone with information is urged to call the Sheriff's Department Dispatch at 714-647-7000 or Investigative Assistant Lopes at 714-647-7055. The investigation is ongoing as of this report. This report will be updated.