Donna Jou Missing Person Case

Donna Jou, a 19-year-old pre-med student, disappeared on June 23, 2007, after leaving her mother's home in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. She went with a man named John Steven Burgess, whom she had met online. Burgess, a registered sex offender, took Donna on his motorcycle to a party at his house in Los Angeles. Donna called a friend from the party, expressing concern about Burgess, but that was the last time anyone heard from her.

The next day, her mother received unsettling text messages from Donna's phone, which the family believes were not sent by Donna herself. When she failed to return home, her family reported her missing two days later. Despite extensive searches and investigations, Donna was never found.

In 2009, Burgess confessed to police that Donna had died of an accidental overdose at his party and that he had disposed of her body by dumping it in the ocean. He was charged with involuntary manslaughter and served a brief prison sentence. Donna’s remains have never been recovered, and her case remains a tragic mystery with suspected foul play.

The circumstances surrounding her disappearance and the actions of Burgess led authorities to believe that she met with foul play shortly after the party.
Last Seen: Jun 23, 2007

“I'm Afraid”: Donna Jou's Mother Speaks Out on Convicted Killer's ...

Timeline: History of Donna Jou's disappearance

A family waits and tries to hope - Los Angeles Times

Missing student Donna Jou's family wants case reopened

New search for missing teen - Los Angeles Times

Parents of Donna Jou still angry after man jailed for her death ...

Sex Offender Charged in Donna Jou's Disappearance

LostNMissing Inc -

Justice for Donna Jou? - NBC 7 San Diego