Fang Jin, a 47-year-old tourist from China, has been reported missing in Southern California since July 2023, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. She was last seen in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Authorities have released a photo of Jin with a man believed to be John Fitzpatrick, who was found dead in the same state park in September.
Jin arrived in Los Angeles on July 14 after flying from China and took a train to Palm Springs. She was then picked up by an unidentified male subject who was supposed to show her around the Morongo Basin area. The last contact with Jin was made via telephone on July 22.
Fitzpatrick, a 52-year-old San Bernardino County resident and former Navy SEAL, was reported missing on July 30. He was believed to be driving a blue Toyota Tacoma with California plates and was expected to be in the Morongo Basin area.
During a welfare check at Fitzpatrick’s mobile home in Morongo Valley, detectives detected the odor of decomposition and found a suitcase containing some items belonging to Jin. The nature of the relationship between Jin and Fitzpatrick remains unclear. Initial reports suggested they had a business arrangement, with Fitzpatrick hired as Jin’s tour guide. However, a friend of Fitzpatrick stated that they had met online and were developing a romantic relationship, with this being their first in-person meeting.
In September, Fitzpatrick’s body was discovered in Anza-Borrego state park, but authorities have not provided further details regarding the circumstances of his death. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Detective Tyler Bengard or sheriff’s dispatch.
