Body Found Confirmed As Missing Menifee Woman

Murrieta CA

27 August, 2021

8:27 PM

Description

MENIFEE, CA — A body located earlier this week west of Perris was determined to be that of a 65-year-old Menifee woman reported missing earlier this month, but no foul play is suspected in her death, authorities said Friday. "At this time in the investigation, detectives ... think it's possible she succumbed to a medical emergency or non-criminal trauma," Menifee police Lt. Denise Keith said regarding the death of Karen Ann Winteringham. The victim's remains were located by passers-by Tuesday afternoon in a rural area near the Perris city limits. An autopsy was pending to determine the exact cause of death. According to Keith, the victim's family members reported her missing on Aug. 4 after she left home without her mobile phone and not telling anyone where she was going. "Mrs. Winteringham was known to officers from prior missing person reports," the lieutenant said, without disclosing whether the woman suffered from dementia or another illness. Despite an extensive search of the area over the ensuing two days, police and Riverside County sheriff's deputies came up with no clues as to her possible whereabouts. The California Highway Patrol issued a Silver Alert on Aug. 5, asking the public to be on the lookout for Winteringham. It was unclear why left home or why she apparently wandered into the undeveloped area where her remains were located. Anyone with information was asked to contact the Menifee Police Department at 951-723-1500.