Christina Murphy Missing, Search Continues After Car Recovered in Kern River

The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Christina Murphy, reported missing on July 22, 2024, remains unsolved. Although her car was discovered and retrieved from the Kern River near the 178 in Lake Isabella, Christina herself has yet to be found.

Timeline of Events

  • July 22, 2024: Christina Murphy was officially reported missing.
  • July 23, 2024: The Kern County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) found pieces of Murphy’s car near the Kern River in Lake Isabella but did not immediately attempt to recover the vehicle due to high water flows.
  • September 14, 2024: The car was successfully removed from the river, but Christina’s body was not inside.

Volunteer Efforts in the Search

In addition to law enforcement, private scuba diver Juan Heredia has taken an active role in the search for Christina. Heredia, a seasoned diver who has worked on six other missing person cases, traveled from Central California to Lake Isabella to assist.

“I feel that I have the skills and I want to do it for the community,” Heredia said, explaining his motivation for volunteering.

Heredia’s search involves exploring the Kern River near the location where Murphy’s car was found, potentially extending to the mouth of the canyon in Bakersfield.

Ongoing Investigations by KCSO

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office continues its search for Christina Murphy, combining drone flights, hikes, and other resources to scour the area.

“It’s a limited and continued search. At this point, there have been no remains of Murphy that have been located,” said Lor Meza, Public Information Officer for KCSO.

Community Hope and Determination

Heredia expressed hope and determination, stating:

“As soon as I find Christina, I’m going to call 911 and let them know. I hope I find her.”

The community continues to rally around Murphy’s family, offering prayers and support in this challenging time.

How You Can Help

Anyone with information about Christina Murphy’s disappearance is encouraged to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office or local authorities immediately.