Remains are from missing woman

Remains that were found in a Kern County lake this summer, as well as body parts discovered there more than two years ago, have both been identified as belonging to an Orange County woman who was reported missing in 2017, authorities said this week.

The Kern County Sheriff ’ s Office said Thursday that DNA testing had conf irmed the identity of 64year- old Shirley Mae Cassel.

Her remains were pulled from a vehicle submerged in Buena Vista Lake, about 30 miles southwest of Bakersfield, on July 12, sheriff ’s officials said — almost two years after her lower leg and foot were found July 28, 2018.

Lt. Joel Swanson said Friday that Kern County authorities “don’t suspect foul play” and believe Cassel’s death may have been an accident.

Cassel was reported missing by her landlord Sept. 11, 2017, the Santa Ana Police Department said. She was last seen at her residence on Aug. 21 of that year.

Swanson said Kern County officials have closed their part of the investigation.

Santa Ana Police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said the positive identification closes his department’s missingperson case as well.

“If there was some criminal piece to this, it would be their case,” Bertagna said, referring to Kern County, “and we would assist them.”