Emily Beutner, 22, was found in apparent medical distress near Sierra Highway and Technology Drive in Palmdale on Jan. 6 and later died at a hospital. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department assigned homicide investigators to the case, though officials note that does not by itself determine cause of death. As of Feb. 1, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner had not released a cause of death and the investigation remains open. Family, Loyola Marymount University and political figures have offered condolences and requested privacy.
22-Year-Old Daughter Of L.A. Mayoral Candidate Dies After Being Found Near Highway; Homicide Probe Underway
Emily Beutner; Austin BeutnerEmily Beutner/Facebook; Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times via Getty
Emily Beutner, 22, the daughter of Los Angeles mayoral candidate Austin Beutner, died on Jan. 6 after being found in apparent medical distress on the side of a highway in Palmdale, California.
Officials said she was located shortly after midnight near the intersection of Sierra Highway and Technology Drive after a witness reported a woman in a “state of medical distress.” First responders treated Emily at the scene and transported her to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) said.
Emily BeutnerEmily Beutner/Facebook
The LASD said homicide investigators “responded and assumed control of the death investigation.” Lt. Michael Modica cautioned to the Los Angeles Times that the involvement of homicide detectives does not by itself establish a cause of death; such protocols are common in cases involving young people found deceased under uncertain circumstances.
As of Feb. 1, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner had not yet determined a cause of death and the investigation remained open, according to medical examiner records reviewed by reporters.
Los Angeles mayoral candidate Austin Beutner on Jan. 5, 2026Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times via Getty
Reactions From Family, University And Officials
Austin Beutner issued a brief statement:
“My family has experienced the unimaginable loss of our beloved daughter. We ask for privacy and your prayers at this time.”
Emily was a junior studying studio arts at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). LMU President Thomas Poon expressed condolences and said the university will honor Emily with a plaque at its student memorial.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who is running against Beutner in the mayoral race, also offered her sympathies and said she was ready to assist the family if needed.
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding Emily Beutner’s death and are awaiting the medical examiner’s final determination.
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