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Crime Solvers Central
298 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 (MP4529) and 7 other sources
Barbara Aurora Burhans, an 8-year-old girl, disappeared along with her mother, Carmen Burhans Garcia, and her stepfather, Diego Garcia, on March 15, 1982, in Los Angeles, California. That morning, Barbara and her family were last seen at their home in the Glassell Park area. Carmen’s mother visited them at breakfast, noticing Carmen was visibly upset but did not ask why. Later that day, the family left in their brown 1977 Toyota Corolla, leaving behind all their personal belongings, including luggage, food, and even their dog.

On April 25, 1982, over a month after they vanished, the family’s vehicle was found abandoned at the bottom of a gorge in the San Gabriel Mountains, buried in snow. The car showed no signs of blood or foul play, leaving investigators puzzled about the family’s fate. Various theories have emerged, including involvement in a cult or a possible drug-related scheme, but none have been substantiated.

Despite extensive searches and reports of possible sightings, neither Barbara nor her parents have been located. Their disappearance remains a cold case, and authorities continue to seek information.

Last Seen: Mar 15, 1982