Encinitas, CA—On Thursday, August 25, 2022, a body was discovered along the side of Harmony Grove Road in Escondido, approximately one-half mile west of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. The discovery was made around 7 a.m. by construction workers en route to a nearby project site and was immediately reported to local authorities.

According to reports, the body appeared to have been transported from another location and dumped at the site. A homicide investigation is ongoing.

The location of the discovery was well outside of the Reserve boundaries, and access to the reserve via Harmony Grove Road was closed for the entire day on August 25 due to the ongoing sheriff’s investigation. Park rangers were made aware of the incident, but Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is not involved with the investigation in any way.

Harmony Grove Road was reopened in both directions by late evening on August 25 and the Reserve resumed normal hours of operation the following morning. Visitors to the Reserve are always encouraged to check local conditions prior to their visit and are also encouraged to contact rangers at 760-632-4212 with questions or concerns.