New Developments In Case Of NJ Woman Missing Since June

NEW JERSEY — Human remains discovered over the weekend in Southern California may belong to a New Jersey woman who's been missing for more than three months.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, deputies conducted another search and rescue operation in the ongoing search for 30-year-old Lauren "El" Cho. The New Jersey resident has been missing since June 28.

During the search, deputies said they found unidentified human remains in the rugged terrain of the open desert of Yucca Valley. They were found near Cho's last known whereabouts.

The remains have been transported to the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Division where staff will work to identify the remains and determine a cause of death.

"The identification process could take several weeks. No further information will be released until the identity of the deceased has been confirmed," the sheriff's office said in a news release.

Cho vanished during a cross-country trip to California with her boyfriend. Authorities said she had been staying at a residence in the 8600 block of Benmar Trail. She was reportedly under mental distress when she walked away from the place she'd been staying. It was her boyfriend who ultimately reported her missing, CBS New York reported.

On a Facebook page created by Cho's family, they've ask the public to refrain from speculation about the case.

"Just a gentle reminder that El is an actual person who is fiercely loved by many, and we see the posts, comments, and speculations made about her situation, her family, her friends, her mental health... and one day, El's 'nibling' (niece) is bound to come across all of this because nothing on the internet truly goes away," the family posted. "So continue to be respectful, good people. Continue to remember her name and that she hasn't been found yet — and we need her home. Somebody knows something."

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Detective Shaunna Ables at the Morongo Basin Station at 760-366-4175. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.