By admin 
The California Highway Patrol launched an investigation after an Iowa woman was found dead near a rest stop along the 40 Freeway east of Barstow on Saturday afternoon.
Read more Southern California placed under an extreme heat watch from Tuesday to Thursday
The death was first reported about 5:25 p.m. along the eastbound side of the freeway, near the Desert Oasis Rest Area in an unincorporated area of San Bernardino County, according to CHP logs.
Further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the death were not available.
San Bernardino County coroner’ officials identified the woman as Juanita Pelley, 63, of Sioux City, Iowa. Her cause and manner of death were yet to be determined.
Read more PHOTOS: MBARI hosts annual open house
Animal control officials were summoned to take charge of a dog and two cats, which were inside cages, according to CHP logs.
No lane closures were issued.
Any witnesses, or anyone with information, can reach the CHP’s Barstow Area Office at (760) 255-5900.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: CHP investigates death along 40 Freeway east of Barstow
Read more Teen Venezuela quake survivor mourns her ‘young forever’ friends
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published July 12, 2026 at 11:41 AM.