Local & Community
Family Seeks Answers After Missing Man Found Dead in Desert Area Near North Indio
The Riverside County Coroner has identified human remains discovered in a remote desert area near North Indio as 28-year-old Miguel Angel Chavez, a Coachella resident who was reported missing earlier this month.
According to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office, Chavez was reported missing after he disappeared on June 1. His remains were found on June 5 near Coyote Song Way, an isolated area between North Indio and Palm Desert.
Investigators have not released a cause of death, and no arrests or detentions have been announced.
Family members say Chavez often kept details of his dating life private and would sometimes turn off his phone's location services when meeting people.
According to family members, Chavez failed to return home after going on a date. He was reported missing on June 2. Relatives later learned he had been with a man who reportedly notified authorities about his disappearance and returned Chavez's phone.
As investigators work to determine what happened, loved ones have created a memorial near the area where Chavez was found, leaving flowers, photographs and other tributes in his honor.
Friends and family describe Chavez as a kind, welcoming person who was always willing to help others and brought joy to those around him.
The discovery comes after another body, identified as 36-year-old James Nastasi, was found in the same general area. Authorities have stated there is currently no known connection between the two investigations.
Chavez's family says they are now focused on honoring his memory while hoping investigators can provide answers about his final hours. They are also encouraging others who use dating apps to let friends or family members know where they are going and who they are meeting.
The investigation remains ongoing.
By: NBC Palm Springs
June 8, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews
Two new Girl Scout cookies are coming in 2027 🍪 Meet Sparkables: a crunchy oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, developed with Partake in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens. And for the pups: Patch Pals 🐾 Soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored dog cookies in four adorable designs. Both will be available online beginning in January. Which one are you most excited to try? #GirlScouts #GirlScoutCookies #NewCookies #DogTreats #FoodAllergyFriendly #CookieSeason
It’s more than just dancing — it’s fitness, confidence and community. A Coachella Valley dance studio is helping adults move their bodies, have fun and step into their power, one class at a time. And during Beyoncé’s birthday week, the energy was turned all the way up. “When in doubt, twerk it out.” See how VXN Worldwide Dance Company is getting the Valley moving — and building confidence along the way. Read more at NBCPalmSprings.com. #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Dance #Fitness #Community NBCPalmSprings