LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – In an update Thursday from officials with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, 31 active missing persons cases remain under investigation.
In a news release, authorities said that as of Jan. 16, 43 missing persons cases have been reported to LASD’s Homicide Bureau Missing Persons Unit, 12 of whom have been found safe.
The deadly Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena still has 24 active missing persons cases, while there are 7 active cases in connection with the Palisades Fire.
Authorities said that nine decedents reported missing have been located in structures destroyed in the Eaton Fire, with four recovered in structures destroyed in the Palisades Fire.
Another 16 structures associated with active missing persons cases have been searched by deputy personnel with cadaver dogs and search and rescue crews in which no individuals or remains were found.
Additionally, two structures destroyed in the Palisades Fire associated with missing persons reports are currently being searched, officials said.
“Any human remains recovered during these searches will be examined by the Medical-Examiner to determine positive identification and provide clarity to the families of the missing,” the release noted. “Homicide Investigators will be in contact with the affected families to assist in the identification process.”
Authorities added that the investigation remains fluid and active and that they are committed that LASD remains committed to conducting thorough homicide investigations and supporting those impacted by the tragic fires.
Both wildfires erupted on Jan. 7, with the Palisades scorching an estimated 23,713 acres, destroying more than 10,000 structures and currently at 27% containment. In the Eaton Fire, more than 7,000 structures were destroyed across 14,117 acres. That fire is at 55% containment.
