Body Identified as Missing Castaic Hunter
The body of a man found with a fatal bullet wound was identified Wednesday as that of a hunter who had been reported missing by his wife last weekend, authorities said.
Richard Evans, 38, of Castaic, had left his house about 4 a.m. Saturday, his wife told authorities, for a day of hunting in the hills near his home. She filed a missing person’s report with the Santa Clarita sheriff’s station Monday morning when he still hadn’t returned home, said Deputy Henry Garza.
Later Monday, the sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team found the body of an adult man in heavy brush area near the Antelope Valley Freeway and the Golden State Freeway in Gorman, Garza said.
The man, identified as Evans on Wednesday, had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest, said Deputy Steve Sciacca. “Detectives believe he was possibly the victim of a hunting accident,” Sciacca said.
The deputy said Evans had been described as a “safety-conscious and responsible hunter.” He leaves behind four children.
Sheriff’s homicide detectives are attempting to locate people who are licensed to hunt in the area where Evans’ body was found, Sciacca said.
Anyone with information related to Evans’ death is urged to call the sheriff’s homicide unit at (213) 890-5500.
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