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302 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP21970) and 9 other sources
Bryce Laspisa, a 19-year-old college student, went missing under mysterious circumstances on August 29, 2013, near Castaic Lake, California. In the days leading up to his disappearance, Bryce exhibited unusual and erratic behavior. He abruptly broke up with his girlfriend and gave away personal items, including his Xbox and a pair of diamond earrings given to him by his mother. His friends also reported that he had been consuming alcohol heavily and using Vyvanse, a medication for ADHD, despite not having a prescription. Concerned about his behavior, his parents had multiple phone conversations with him, but Bryce assured them he was fine.

On the night of August 29, Bryce began a long drive from his college in Northern California toward his family's home in Laguna Niguel. Along the way, he stopped several times, including a prolonged stay in the town of Buttonwillow, where a roadside assistance worker helped him after he ran out of gas. Despite being checked by police during his journey and being described as lucid, Bryce never made it home. In the early hours of August 30, he spoke with his mother, telling her he was too tired to drive and would pull over to rest.

A few hours later, Bryce's car was found crashed at the bottom of an embankment near Castaic Lake. The rear window had been shattered, and inside the vehicle were his cell phone, wallet, and other personal belongings. However, Bryce was nowhere to be found. Investigators discovered tire tracks suggesting that Bryce's vehicle had been driven off the embankment intentionally, but no trace of him has ever been discovered despite extensive searches, including the use of divers in Castaic Lake.

Over the years, multiple theories have surfaced regarding Bryce’s fate. Some suggest that he may have suffered from a mental health crisis or head injury and wandered away, while others believe he may have started a new life or met with foul play. His family continues to hold out hope for answers, and his case remains open and unsolved.

Last Seen: Aug 29, 2013

Possible Unidentified Matches (5)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

82%Moderate
John Doe — Pasadena, California
UP12874 • Found May 22, 2014
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 18–25 vs 19
Race 100%White
Location 93%37 mi away, same county
TimingFound 9 months after last seen
Height 100%5'6"–6'0" vs 5'11"
77%Possible
John Doe — Hermosa Beach, California
UP92868 • Found May 14, 2022
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 21–44 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 90%47 mi away, same county
TimingFound 9 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7"–5'10" vs 5'11"
Weight 100%150–175 lb vs 160 lb
75%Possible
John Doe — North Hollywood, California
UP122468 • Found May 18, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 18–36 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 96%26 mi away, same county
TimingFound 11 years after last seen
Height 100%5'4"–5'10" vs 5'11"
Weight 53%90–110 lb vs 160 lb
Hair 50%Brown vs Red
Eyes 0%Brown vs Blue
75%Possible
John Doe — Hawthorne, California - unidentified case UP88645
John Doe — Hawthorne, California
UP88645 • Found Jan 11, 2022
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 77%Est. 30–50 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 91%45 mi away, same county
TimingFound 8 years after last seen
Height 100%5'5"–5'11" vs 5'11"
Weight 95%140 lb vs 160 lb
Hair 50%Brown vs Red
Eyes 0%Brown vs Blue
75%Possible
John Doe — Los Angeles, California - unidentified case UP162583
John Doe — Los Angeles, California
UP162583 • Found Jul 1, 2026
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 93%38 mi away, same county
TimingFound 13 years after last seen
Height 20%5'2"–5'5" vs 5'11"
Weight 91%137 lb vs 160 lb
Hair 100%Red vs Red
Eyes 100%Blue vs Blue

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.