California Woman Found Dead After Mysterious Disappearance—CCTV Reveals Her Final Moments
A California woman was discovered dead along a freeway on Thursday, days after her husband reported her missing. Lisa Culp, a 53-year-old resident of San Bernardino County, was identified as the victim of a hit-and-run incident, according to the Chino Police Department.
Culp reportedly left her home in the early hours of October 4, as stated in a news release. Her husband contacted authorities around 9:13 a.m. that day to report her missing. Police immediately began reaching out to her family and friends and checking local jails and hospitals. They later located her 2001 silver Mercedes Benz sedan near the Central Ave exit off the 60 freeway in Ontario, CA, but Culp was not with the vehicle, which appeared to have been abandoned.
Officers reviewed surveillance footage from the area and observed Culp walking away from a gas station near her vehicle in the early morning hours of October 4, heading northbound on Central Avenue. Despite thorough searches of the area, including checking local hotels, no signs of Culp were found, reported Daily Mail.
The search intensified on October 5 when police discovered additional surveillance footage. They deployed drones, off-highway vehicles, and officers on foot, expanding the search perimeter. During this expanded search, officers found the body of a deceased woman on the freeway. Authorities reported that the body showed signs of involvement in a traffic collision.
The body was transported to the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office, where it was confirmed to be Lisa Culp. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has since launched a hit-and-run investigation into the circumstances of her death.
Police stated that, while the investigation into Culp’s disappearance continues, there is no indication of foul play at this time. “The facts and circumstances surrounding Culp’s disappearance remain under investigation; however, foul play is not suspected at this time,” the police statement read.
Culp’s niece, Lana, paid tribute to her aunt on Facebook, posting a photo and writing, “We love you, Aunt Lisa.” She also expressed gratitude to everyone who assisted in the search and those who offered prayers for their family.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to either the hit-and-run or Culp’s disappearance to come forward. For information regarding the disappearance, individuals are encouraged to contact Chino PD Detective Barber at 909-334-3144. Witnesses of the potential hit-and-run are asked to reach out to the California Highway Patrol at 909-980-3994.