The disappearance of Bryce Laspisa remains one of the most heartbreaking and perplexing missing persons cases in recent memory. As the years have passed, Bryce’s family and friends continue to share memories and stories, hoping for any breakthrough. To commemorate the tenth anniversary of his disappearance, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) released an age-progressed image of Bryce, illustrating what he might look like today at 29 years old.
The Disappearance
In the early morning hours of August 30, 2013, Bryce Laspisa vanished near Castaic Lake while driving home to Orange County from Sierra College near Sacramento. Bryce, then 19, had been on an hours-long drive that began late on August 28, after breaking up with his girlfriend. His parents reported him missing on August 29 after he failed to arrive home.
Law enforcement discovered Bryce parked near Bakersfield on August 29 at around 8 p.m. Though his car was thoroughly checked, no drugs or alcohol were found. Bryce’s last communication was a phone call to his parents at around 2 a.m. on August 30, during which he mentioned driving on Interstate 5 but couldn’t identify his exact location. Despite telling his mother he intended to sleep in his car and call back in the morning, that call never came.
By the morning of August 30, Bryce’s car was found wrecked, having rolled 15 feet down a ravine near Castaic Lake. His belongings, including his cell phone, wallet, laptop, and clothing, were inside, but Bryce was nowhere to be found. Signs suggested he had used a tool to break out of the back window before disappearing into the unknown.
The Investigation
The search for Bryce intensified after his abandoned car was discovered. Despite rigorous efforts to track his whereabouts, including a search of Castaic Lake and the surrounding area, no trace of Bryce was found. The month after Bryce’s disappearance, a charred body was found nearby, causing his family immense distress. However, it was later identified as a Los Angeles homicide victim.
New leads periodically surfaced, such as an alleged sighting of Bryce in Missoula, Montana. A detective followed up on this tip in April 2022, discovering a man with a remarkable resemblance to Bryce. Unfortunately, he was not Bryce. Despite these occasional leads, no legitimate breakthroughs have emerged.
The Case Today
Today, the case of Bryce Laspisa remains unresolved, leaving his family and friends with an enduring sense of loss and uncertainty. As part of their ongoing efforts to find Bryce, his parents continue to distribute missing persons posters and engage with the public. The NCMEC’s recent release of an age-progressed image aims to reignite interest and generate new leads.
Anyone with information that could help locate Bryce is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, or NCMEC. In addition, tips can be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Though the years continue to pass without answers, Bryce’s loved ones remain steadfast in their hope for his safe return. His mother poignantly encapsulated their enduring anguish, stating, “It’s gut-wrenching, every day, not knowing. It’s a living nightmare.” The search for Bryce Laspisa persists, fueled by an unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth behind his mysterious disappearance.
