Marie McCain

The Desert Sun

Relatives and friends of a Los Angeles couple, believed to have gone camping in Joshua Tree, are asking for the public's help in finding them.

UPDATE: C ouple located in Mexico

Aaron Morganstein and Mariya "Masha" Mitkova were last seen leaving Los Angeles on Nov. 11, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. They were thought to be heading for Joshua Tree National Park, as they told friends they planned to camp there for the weekend.

They were in a blue 2012 Subaru Outback, license plate #6PRH231, with Morganstein driving, according to friend Briana Gonzales, who added that while the couple was headed toward Joshua Tree, Mitkova had a surprise destination for Morganstein that was in the area near Joshua Tree.

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When the pair failed to show up for their jobs on Monday, friends became worried and reported them missing to the Los Angeles police, as well as police in Yucca Valley and Riverside, according to a post on Reddit.com

The last purchase connected to them was made at a gas station at the Cabazon Fuel Center, in Cabazon, Gonzales said, adding that the last ping investigators picked up from the couple was from a cell tower at 34225 Key Largo Ave. in Rancho Mirage.

Sheriff's deputies were sent to the area to search for their vehicle, Gonzales said.

Friends are organizing a search party and are asking the public for any help in finding Morganstein and Mitkova.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the couple please contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit, Detective Saiza (213) 996-1800. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.

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