Body Found Near Lake Mathews, Suicide Suspected

LAKE MATHEWS, CA — The body of a man found Wednesday in a heavily wooded area near Lake Mathews may be that of a 22-year-old suspect who went missing nearly a month after a domestic disturbance in the area.

The coroner is working to determine whether the remains found behind homes in the 16500 block of Orangewind Lane in Lake Hills belong to Christian Stuart.

At 9 a.m. Tuesday, multiple sheriff's department teams mounted a comprehensive search of the area and turned up the body that had "an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound," according to the department.

It's unclear how long the body had been there or why such a strong search effort was launched Tuesday.

Stuart was wanted in connection with an April 11 shooting inside his family's home in the 12000 block of Wildflower Lane in Lake Hills — about a mile from where the body was recovered.

Capt. Kevin Lamb said that patrol deputies were called to the house to investigate reports of shots fired and encountered Stuart's mother, reporting that her son "had fired several shots into a wall inside the residence."

"Deputies learned that the family dog had been grazed by a bullet during the shooting," Lamb said. "The dog was taken for medical treatment and is expected to make a full recovery."

Stuart fled the home immediately after firing the gun, prompting an unsuccessful law enforcement search. He was armed when he took off, according to Lamb.

A motive for the shooting was not disclosed.

An investigation into the case was continuing. Anyone with information was asked to call Investigator Gil of the Lake Mathews Station at 951-272-5600.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.