Tom Ray Starkel, a 19-year-old from Palmdale, California, was last seen on the evening of December 5, 1979. After leaving his girlfriend's house around 10:00 p.m., Starkel is believed to have returned to his apartment, but he has not been heard from since. His disappearance was reported three days later by his mother. Unfortunately, before police arrived, she had unknowingly cleaned the apartment, potentially erasing crucial evidence.
Starkel was driving a dark green Pontiac Firebird with Nevada license plates at the time of his disappearance. Two weeks later, the vehicle was found being driven back into California from Nevada. Craig Moore, the driver of the car, was arrested after authorities discovered Starkel's jacket in the trunk and a recently fired handgun under the seat. Despite this, Moore was released due to a lack of evidence directly linking him to Starkel’s disappearance. Moore remains a prime suspect in the case.
Tom was a recent graduate of Palmdale High School and attended the First Assembly of God Church, where his grandfather was a pastor. His case remains unsolved, and no new leads have emerged over the years, leaving his family without closure. Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information to come forward.
Last Seen: Dec 05, 1979
