Ramona

Sheriff’s homicide detectives believe they have found the remains of a Ramona woman who disappeared from her home almost three years ago, a homicide sergeant reported.

Deputies Monday found what they believe are the charred remains of Susan Lee Klein, 39, in a ravine about four miles from her home and 200 feet northeast of Rancho Villa Road in Ramona, Sgt. Rick Figueroa reported.

As a result of a tip, more than 30 deputies and homicide detectives had conducted a four-hour search for the remains Monday morning off California 78 from Ramona to San Pasqual Valley.

Forensic anthropologist Rose Tyson, who later examined the remains at the San Diego Museum of Man, said a positive identification could not be made because of the small amount recovered. The remains will now be examined by the San Diego County coroner’s office.

Klein’s husband, Russell, is being held in County Jail in lieu of $1 million bail after being arrested April 18 on suspicion of the murder of both his wife and her friend Ann Milyard, 39. The three lived at the Magnolia address and the two women had been missing since Dec. 28, 1984.

Sheriff’s officials said they had suspected foul play for a long time but could not find any substantial evidence against Klein.

Then, after an anonymous tip, deputies obtained a warrant for Klein’s ranch in the 1000 block of Magnolia Avenue in April and searched the 13-acre site. Human remains, later identified as those of Milyard, were found in a shallow grave on the property.