Southwest
Hiker, 24, found dead on desert trail in Big Bend National Park, officials say
The body of a 24-year-old hiker was found in a remote area along one of the most rugged trails at Big Bend National Park in Texas, officials said Monday.
The hiker, who has not been named publicly, was found along the Marufo Vega Trail, a 14-mile loop that twists through rugged desert and rocky cliffs, the National Park Service (NPS) said.
No cause of death was immediately provided.
The search for the hiker began Sunday after park rangers spotted a vehicle parked for multiple days at the Trailhead for Marufo Vega / Strawhouse / Ore Terminal Trail, officials said.
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The body of a 24-year-old hiker was recovered from the rugged Marufo Vega Trail at Big Bend National Park in Texas on Monday. (National Park Service, File)
“Records indicated that there were no overnight backpackers listed for that area for those nights,” NPS said. “A quick search by the park pilot was unable to locate hikers in the area.”
On Monday, a search and rescue team scoured three different trails while air assets flew over the remote area, officials said. Once the victim was located on the Marufo Vega Trail, a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter removed the body from the area.
Officials warned visitors that desert areas of the park still experience temperatures close to 100 degrees each afternoon in October. (Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images, File)
“Big Bend National Park staff and partners are saddened by this loss,” said Deputy Superintendent Rick Gupman. “Our entire park family extends condolences to the hiker’s family and friends.”
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Park officials described the trail as “spectacular yet challenging,” warning that the trail is dangerous during warm periods of the year due to lack of shade and water.
The Marufo Vega Trail is a challenging trail that hikers must be prepared for, officials said. (National Park Service)
“Even though it is late October, daily temperatures along the Rio Grande and desert areas of Big Bend remain extreme; close to 100 degrees each afternoon,” NPS said.
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Officials reminded visitors to remain aware of the dangers of extreme heat and to prepare plenty of water, salty snacks and a plan to be off the desert trails by the afternoon.
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A former Riverside County man was found guilty of sex trafficking a female victim and forcing her to engage in commercial sex acts along L.A.’s notorious Figueroa Corridor.
Elias Abdul Shabazz, 34, formerly of Perris, was found guilty by a jury following a five-day trial, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Prosecutors said Shabazz had led the victim to believe they were in a romantic relationship before he turned physically and sexually violent. He began demanding that the victim engage in commercial sex acts from May to October of 2021, court documents said.
He carried a handgun with him and, on occasion, was accused of using it to pistol-whip the victim. He also fired the gun at her feet while threatening to kill her, prosecutors said.
At trial, the victim said Shabazz demanded that she meet a daily quota of commercial sex proceeds and that she was terrified of the consequences of not meeting that quota.
She testified that Shabazz compelled her to work in the notorious Figueroa Corridor in South L.A., a dangerous area known for human trafficking and prostitution.
Shabazz had confiscated her identification card, Social Security card and birth certificate. He constantly monitored her cell phone to stop her from communicating with any friends or family.
“He also introduced her to addictive narcotics and controlled every aspect of her life, including when she ate, slept and showered,” prosecutors said.
In May 2025, Shabazz was arrested and has remained in federal custody. His last known address at the time was in Washington, D.C.
On June 26, 2026, Shabazz was found guilty of one count of coercing or enticing interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 6, where he faces 15 years to life in prison.
“Sex trafficking matters rank among the most tragic cases our office prosecutes,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. “This defendant will now face many years in a federal prison cell for his sick, disgusting, and disturbing behavior.”
“Elias Shabazz preyed on a vulnerable victim using physical and sexual violence and cruel psychological coercion to compel commercial sex acts for his own profit,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “There is no place for this type of conduct in civilized society. We deeply respect the victim’s courage to face her trafficker in court. The Criminal Division will continue to bring these cases and try them.”
Anyone with information about human trafficking can report tips to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888
The star-studded feel-good giveback event of the summer has returned. KTLA 5 is teaming up once again with Project Angel Food for the annual “Lead with Love: Going the Distance” telethon to raise critical funds for medically tailored meals delivered to people living with serious illnesses throughout Los Angeles County. The seventh annual telethon airs […]
A woman was hospitalized with serious injuries after she was violently attacked by a robber in downtown Long Beach. On June 18, Jennifer Silva, 34, was attending a World Cup watch party at a Hooters restaurant at 90 Aquarium Way. After the game ended, she left the restaurant just before 11 p.m. As she walked […]
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