In a case that has remained shrouded in mystery for over a decade, 19-year-old Bryce Laspisa disappeared without a trace on August 29, 2013. Despite efforts by his family, authorities, and search teams, Bryce’s whereabouts remain unknown. His mother, Karen, continues to search for answers, hoping that someone may hold the key to unraveling the circumstances of her son’s disappearance.
What Happened
On August 28, 2013, Bryce Laspisa made a spontaneous decision to leave Sierra College in Rocklin, California, drive to Chico to break up with his girlfriend, and head home to his parents in Laguna Niguel. His journey should have been a straightforward 500-mile drive, but things took a strange turn when he ran out of gas in Buttonwillow, Kern County, on August 29.
After Bryce called for roadside assistance, his mother, Karen, was notified that he had gotten help and received fuel from a service station. However, several hours later, Bryce remained in the same spot, which greatly concerned Karen. The service station owner returned to check on him and encouraged Bryce to continue his journey, and Bryce assured his mother he was on his way home.
But hours passed, and Bryce never arrived. At 7 p.m., after Bryce failed to make contact again, his parents reported him missing. Police found Bryce just a few miles down the road from Buttonwillow. An officer checked on him, found no signs of intoxication, and assured the family that Bryce appeared to be fine.
At 2:08 a.m. on August 30, Bryce called his mother again, telling her he was tired and had pulled off I-5 to rest in a residential area. That was the last time Karen ever heard her son’s voice.
Reactions
The next devastating blow came a few hours later when a California Highway Patrol officer knocked on the Laspisa family’s door. It wasn’t Bryce — it was news that their Toyota Highlander had been found overturned near Castaic, Los Angeles County, about 90 miles south of Buttonwillow and two hours north of Laguna Niguel.
Inside the vehicle were all of Bryce’s belongings — his phone, wallet, laptop — but no sign of Bryce. There was blood on the windshield, and investigators believe Bryce may have crawled from the driver’s seat through the back hatch to escape, but he was nowhere to be found. Despite extensive search efforts by authorities and search teams, Bryce’s disappearance remained unsolved.
What’s Next
For the past 12 years, Karen has clung to memories of her son and has continued to seek answers. Bryce would be 31 years old today, and his mother still hopes that someone may have information that could lead to his whereabouts.
Bryce is described as having blue eyes, red hair, and a tattoo on his left shoulder of a Taurus bull head and Roman numerals. His family urges anyone who may know something to come forward and help bring closure to this long-standing mystery.
Closing Line
Anyone with information about Bryce’s whereabouts or the events surrounding his disappearance is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department at 213-229-1700. This is a developing story, and we will update this article as more information becomes available.
