Phelan Woman Arrested for Murder After Human Remains Found
UPDATE: A woman in Phelan, California, has been arrested for the shocking murder of her landlord after human remains were discovered at the property she was renting. This urgent development comes as authorities investigate the disappearance of 72-year-old Mindy Kum, who was reported missing by family members on September 2, 2025.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Margaret Minier, age 57, has been charged with murder following a series of investigative leads that pointed to her residence on the 6400 block of Smoke Tree Road. Detectives from the department’s Specialized Investigations Division uncovered the remains during a search of the property, raising grave concerns about Kum’s fate.
The investigation began when Kum’s family reported her missing; she was last seen in Tustin, California. As detectives pieced together her last known whereabouts, they traced her movements to the Phelan area, ultimately leading them to Minier’s rental property. The unsettling discovery highlights the urgency of the situation as law enforcement works to uncover further details surrounding the case.
Minier, who is also known to use the alias Juliette Owle on social media, is currently in custody as authorities continue their investigation. The Sheriff’s Department is urging anyone with information about this case to come forward. They can contact the Homicide Detail directly at 909-890-4904 or submit anonymous tips through We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or online at wetip.com.
This unfolding case has sent shockwaves throughout the Phelan community, raising questions about safety and the circumstances surrounding Kum’s disappearance. As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on this tragic event.
Stay tuned for further updates as authorities continue to search for answers in this disturbing case.
