PHELAN, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A Phelan woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after human remains were found at a home she was renting, authorities confirmed.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, 57-year-old Margaret Minier was taken into custody for the murder of 72-year-old Mindy Kum, also of Phelan.
The investigation began when Kum’s family reported her missing on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. She was last seen in Tustin. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Homicide Detail tracked Kum’s last known location to a residence in the 6400 block of Smoke Tree Road in Phelan — a home Minier was renting from Kum.
While searching the property, investigators discovered human remains, which led to Minier’s arrest. The Sheriff’s Department has not yet released information about the cause of death or a possible motive.
Authorities confirmed that Margaret Minier used the alias “Juliette Owle” on Facebook.
As of the time of the report, Minier had not yet been booked into jail due to an unrelated health issue that required hospitalization.
The case remains under active investigation.
