Crime Solvers Central
CSC
263 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Terry Gambrel death by force case profile photo

Terry Lee Gambrel

Case from Mission Viejo, CA dated May 14, 1983

Victim Details

Terry Lee Gambrel

Male

White / Caucasian

Mission Viejo

CA

1983-05-14

25

Terry

Lee Gambrel

07/04/2026

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
On May 14, 1983, Terry Lee Gambrel, a 25-year-old white male serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, was found dead in the passenger seat of a car pulled over by California Highway Patrol officers on Interstate 5 in Mission Viejo, California. Gambrel was stationed at the El Toro Marine Base and had served in the military for approximately four and a half years. Originally from Crothersville, Indiana, he was known to be a member of the Austin Community Church and had deep ties to his family, including ...
MEMBER ACCESS

Continue reading the complete case summary

Unlock the full case narrative for Terry Lee Gambrel, all available source links, additional videos, and member discussions.

Unlock Full Case Access — $3.97/month
Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in

Links to Additional Sources (9)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Terry Lee “Luke” Gambrel (1957-1983) - Find a Grave Memorial
  • John Doe homicide victim identified after 49 years
    • MEMBER ACCESS

    Unlock 7 additional sources

    View the complete collection of available reporting and reference links for this case.

    View All Case Sources — $3.97/month
    Cancel anytime.
    Already a member? Log in

    Latest News

    View All

    Forum Posts (1)

    I can't stop thinking about how Terry Lee Gambrel’s life was cut short right when he seemed to be ... ...Read More
    01/06/2024
    MEMBER ACCESS

    Join the discussion for Terry Lee Gambrel

    Read full forum posts and contribute to this case discussion.

    Unlock forum access — $3.97/month
    Already a member? Log in

    Other Cases from Mission Viejo, California

    Keith Arthur Klingbeil death by force case in Mission Viejo, CA

    Keith Arthur Klingbeil

    Death: Jul 06, 1978
    Keith Arthur Klingbeil, a 23-year-old white male, was tragically murdered on July 6, 1978, in Missio i ...Read More
    Miguel Joaquin Mata death by force case in Mission Viejo, CA

    Miguel Joaquin Mata

    Death: Apr 25, 2025
    On the evening of April 25, 2025, authorities responded to a shooting at an apartment complex on La a ...Read More