DATE: June 30, 2026, at 8:04 p.m.
INCIDENT: Death Investigation
LOCATION: 10600 block of Oasis Road, Piñon Hills
DECEDENT: Loretta Kay Colwell Pilitsis, 55-year-old, Resident of Piñon Hills
SUMMARY: On Monday, May 25, 2026, at approximately 12:45 p.m., deputies from the Victor Valley Station responded to the 900 block of Locust Road in Piñon Hills following a report of a missing person. Deputies learned Loretta “Kay” Colwell Pilitsis had left her residence on foot and was last seen around her home. An extensive search of the surrounding area was conducted with the assistance of Sheriff’s Aviation (40K) and a Sheriff’s K9 unit. Despite these efforts, Pilitsis was not located.
On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at approximately 8:04 p.m., Victor Valley Station deputies responded to the 10600 block of Oasis Road in Piñon Hills after a reporting party discovered a deceased person in the desert. Deputies arrived, confirmed the death, and notified the Coroner’s Division.
The Coroner’s Division positively identified the decedent as Loretta Pilitsis. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division responded and assumed the investigation. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call or text “REPORT” to We-Tip at 844-909-3006. Online reporting is also available at https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.
See original news release here: “Deputies Request the Public's Help in Locating Missing Woman from Pinon Hills” from SBSD - Victor Valley Sheriff's Department : Nixle
Refer: Detective Ron Williams or Sergeant Bryan Sprague
Station: Homicide Detail
Phone No. 909-890-4904
Case No. DR# 072601780 H# 2026-065
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
