Iowa Woman Found Dead At Interstate 40 Rest Area In Newberry Springs

NEWBERRY SPRINGS, Calif. (VVNG.com) – A 63-year-old Iowa woman was found dead Saturday evening at the Desert Oasis Rest Area off eastbound Interstate 40 in Newberry Springs.

The California Highway Patrol responded at approximately 6:28 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, to the rest area at Exit 28. According to the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office, Juanita Pelley, 63, of Sioux City, Iowa, was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the California Highway Patrol incident log, the incident was initially classified as a fatality. During the response, CHP transferred the incident to CAL FIRE, and deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department also responded to the scene. 

The incident log also indicates animal control was requested to pick up one dog and two cats that were found in cages at the scene.

Authorities have not released the circumstances surrounding Pelley’s death, including whether any vehicles were involved. The investigation remains ongoing.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include the identity of the deceased and additional information released by the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office.

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