Missing Temecula man found dead in desert

There was no information on whether a crime was suspected in this case, and no arrests had been announced as of late Thursday afternoon.

June 27, 2024, 5:45 p.m. PDT | Updated June 27, 2024, 5:48 p.m. PDT

BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA – A 25-year-old Temecula man who was last seen at a Starbucks in Blythe on June 18 was found dead, the coroner’s office confirmed Thursday.

The remains of Dillan Keith Howard were found in the open desert in Blythe on Tuesday, according to the office.

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The circumstances of the discovery were not disclosed.

Blythe police had asked the public for help in locating Howard. A photo of Howard released by police was shared on social media in the hope that someone might have information about his disappearance.

He was last seen wearing a white button-down shirt, khaki pants and sandals, police said.

There was no information on whether foul play was suspected in the case, and no arrests had been announced as of late Thursday afternoon. Howard’s death is being investigated by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

Blythe is located on the eastern edge of Riverside County, near the Colorado River.

This story will be updated as information becomes available.