Police have identified three sets of human remains that were found along the shoreline in Palos Verdes Estates.
The remains, all stemming from separate missing persons cases, have been under investigation since 2023.
In January 2021, Mark Paulson was reported missing after he failed to return from a boating trip out of Redondo Beach. He was last heard from when he reported engine trouble with his boat and expressed concern about being blown out to sea.
A search effort involving the U.S. Coast Guard, Harbor Patrol, and Los Angeles County lifeguards was conducted, but Paulson was not found. Two years later in January 2023, a human femur was located off the shoreline.
Through DNA matching, Palos Verdes police confirmed the remains linked to Paulson.
“Based on the totality of the circumstances, there is no suspicion of foul play,” investigators said. “He would have been 68 years old.”
In November 2024, a human skull and a bone were located and have been identified as Raymond Simeroth, who would be 57 years old today. Smith was believed to be experiencing homelessness before his death. Detectives said there was no suspicion of foul play.
In December 2024, a fishing vessel with two people onboard was reported missing from San Pedro amid dangerous surf conditions. The two men didn’t return after leaving on a small boat from Cabrillo Beach on Dec. 23.
A search effort was initiated and on Dec. 25, their boat was found shipwrecked along the shore on the 1700 block of Paseo Del Mar.
The next day, two partial sections of lower extremities were discovered on the shoreline. On June 18, 2025, police confirmed the remains belonged to Zhaoliang Tang, 62, one of the missing fishermen.
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L.A. County Fire search and rescue crews search for two men missing after their boat was found overturned along the Palos Verdes Estates shoreline on Dec. 24, 2024. (KTLA) -
L.A. County Fire search and rescue crews search for two men missing after their boat was found overturned along the Palos Verdes Estates shoreline on Dec. 24, 2024. (KTLA) -
L.A. County Fire search and rescue crews search for two men missing after their boat was found overturned along the Palos Verdes Estates shoreline on Dec. 24, 2024. (KTLA)
Any remains associated with the second missing fisherman have not been found. Based on the evidence, detectives determined there was no reason to suspect foul play at this time.
Police have notified the families of all three people following the confirmed DNA matches.
“The Palos Verdes Estates Police Department remains committed to thorough investigations that help bring answers and closure to families affected by tragedy,” said Chief Luke Hellinga. “While the circumstances surrounding each case are heartbreaking, we hope that these identifications provide a measure of peace to the loved ones who have endured uncertainty and loss.”
