An autopsy has confirmed that the body found in a shallow grave Friday in the desert near Mecca is that of Julia Jacobson, 37, who had been reported missing from San Diego, according to the Riverside County Coroner’s Office.

Jacobson was last seen in Ontario in early September. Her ex-husband, Dalen Larry Ware, 39, of Arizona, was arrested in October on suspicion of murder after Ontario police said they’d discovered evidence that Jacobson had been killed. He has pleaded not guilty.

Ontario police have continued looking for the remains of Jacobson and her dog, a Wheaton terrier named Boogie who also was missing. Last Wednesday — for reasons that haven’t been disclosed — more than 120 law enforcement personnel from around the region began searching in the Riverside County desert south of the 10 Freeway and east of the Cactus City rest area.

On the third day of the search, which had covered about 6 square miles, the bodies of the woman and dog were found near Box Canyon Road, according to Ontario police Sgt. Jeff Higbee.

North of the 10, Box Canyon Road becomes Cottonwood Springs Road, which leads into Joshua Tree National Park.