A 42-year-old Arizona woman who vanished 18 months ago has been found dead in the California desert, and a man has been charged with her murder, authorities said.
Tyna Castillo was last seen on December 11, 2023, leaving her home in Bullhead, Arizona, to meet a man in Needles, California. She was reported missing on February 4, 2024, after friends and family lost contact.
Police faced poor cooperation from witnesses during the investigation. In September 2024, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's cold case homicide team reopened the case. After eight searches involving over 100 volunteers, Castillo's remains were discovered on March 5 in the desert near Needles, with at least one gunshot wound.
Detectives identified Jared Winer, 44, as the suspect. He was arrested during a traffic stop on May 6 and charged with murder this week. Castillo's sister, Cheryl, announced her death in a tribute, describing her as a bright light and a devoted mother to her two children.
Castillo grew up in Rosemead, California, and later moved to Arizona. She worked at a law firm, studied nursing, and earned a degree in fashion design.
