Body Found in Anza-Borrego; Believed to Be Missing UCSD Psychology Student

A body may have been discovered in an area of canyons, crevices and caves in East County where a UCSD psychology student disappeared nearly a month ago, sheriff's deputies said Sunday.

Sheriff's deputies and search and rescue units were called out Sunday to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park on a report that a body was found in the Arroyo Tapiado area. That's where Guillermo Pino went missing while hiking nearly a month ago, officials said.

The website findpinojr.com reported Pino's body was discovered about 5 p.m. Saturday in "Hidden Cave," the area he was last seen April 8. He disappeared after telling the hiking group he wanted to rest his feet and enjoy the view of the desert, according to the website.

Pino, 24, had been rope climbing and exploring the Arroyo Tapiado area of the expansive park while exploring caves with his family, according to San Diego County sheriff's officials. Since then, searchers have worked their way through desert caves, tunnels and gorges in hopes of finding Pino alive.  Pino had no known medical conditions was described as a fairly experienced hiker, although at the time of his disappearance he was exploring the rugged territory without shoes, water, food, a flashlight or a cell phone, sheriff's officials said.

Arroyo Tapiado is a popular recreation area, made up of mud caves and other unusual formations, about midway between Scissors Crossing and Ocotillo in the arid East County.

-City News Service