Was Bryce Laspisa ever found? A timeline of his mysterious disappearance

Arun Jain,

Was Bryce Laspisa Ever Found?

As of April 2025, Bryce Laspisa has not been found. His disappearance on August 30, 2013, remains one of California’s most perplexing unsolved mysteries. Despite extensive searches, investigations, and alleged sightings, no confirmed trace of him has emerged since his 2003 Toyota Highlander was found overturned near Castaic Lake, California. His family continues to hold hope, supported by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), which released an age-progressed image of Bryce at 29 years old in August 2023.

Timeline of Bryce Laspisa’s Mysterious Disappearance

Background

Bryce David Laspisa, born April 30, 1994, was a 19-year-old sophomore at Sierra College in Rocklin, California, majoring in graphic and industrial design. Described as charismatic, kind, and artistically talented, he was the only child of Karen and Michael Laspisa. The family moved from Springfield, Illinois, to Laguna Niguel, California, in 2012 after Bryce’s high school graduation. Bryce was 5’11”, with red hair, green eyes, and a distinctive tattoo of a Taurus bull head and Roman numerals on his left shoulder.

In August 2013, Bryce’s behavior changed dramatically, alarming his girlfriend, Kim Sly, and roommate, Sean Dixon. He began drinking heavily and using Vyvanse, an amphetamine-based stimulant typically prescribed for ADHD, which he took recreationally to stay awake for gaming. These changes set the stage for the events leading to his disappearance.

August 27–28, 2013: Strange Behavior and Breakup

  • Context: Two weeks into his sophomore year, Bryce’s behavior became erratic. Friends noted he was withdrawn, depressed, and drinking excessively, consuming hard liquor daily. He admitted to taking Vyvanse, which can cause severe side effects like depression or psychosis when misused or mixed with alcohol.
  • August 27:
    • Sean Dixon, Bryce’s roommate, contacted Karen Laspisa to express concern about Bryce’s heavy drinking and Vyvanse use.
    • Bryce sent a sentimental text to Sean: “I love you bro, seriously. You are the best person I’ve ever met. You saved my soul.” He also gave Sean his Xbox and a pair of diamond earrings, gifts from his mother, which was unusual.
  • August 28:
    • Afternoon: Bryce told Karen he planned to break up with Kim Sly, surprising her as he seemed happy in the relationship. He texted Kim, “You’re better off without me,” and ended their relationship.
    • Evening (1:00 PM): Karen spoke to Bryce, who sounded normal despite the breakup news. He was at Kim’s apartment in Chico, California, about 90 miles from his Rocklin apartment.
    • Night (11:30 PM): Bryce was at Kim’s apartment, arguing over his car keys. Kim, worried about his state, had taken them, believing he shouldn’t drive. Karen convinced Kim to return the keys, urging Bryce to return to his apartment and sleep. Bryce told Karen, “I have a lot to talk to you about,” and asked her not to book a flight to visit until they spoke further. He left Kim’s apartment, supposedly heading to Rocklin, a 90-minute drive.
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August 29, 2013: Unexpected Journey and Stalled Progress

  • Early Morning (1:00 AM): Karen missed a call from Bryce. Phone records later showed he was an hour past Rocklin, heading south, suggesting he was driving toward his parents’ home in Laguna Niguel, a 465-mile, 7–8-hour trip.
  • Morning (9:00 AM): Bryce’s 2003 Toyota Highlander ran out of gas near Buttonwillow, California, about 200 miles north of Laguna Niguel. He called roadside assistance through his parents’ insurance, and Christian, an attendant from Castro Tire and Gas, delivered three gallons of gas.
  • Daytime (11:00 AM): Karen and Michael received a notification about the roadside assistance call. Concerned, Karen called Sean, who confirmed Bryce hadn’t returned to their apartment. She then contacted Christian, who found Bryce still parked near the rest stop, hours after receiving gas.
  • Afternoon–Evening: A California Highway Patrol officer instructed Bryce to call Karen, who urged him to continue home. Christian followed Bryce for 10 miles to ensure he got back on Interstate 5. Bryce remained in contact with his parents, but he was vague about his location, saying he couldn’t see road signs.
  • Night (10:00 PM): Bryce was still near Buttonwillow, having made little progress. His slow pace and extended time in one spot (over 13 hours) baffled his parents and investigators.

August 30, 2013: Disappearance

  • Early Morning (2:00 AM): Bryce called Karen, saying he was too tired to drive and would pull over to sleep on the side of Interstate 5 in the Sierra Pelona Mountains near Castaic Lake, about 100 miles from Laguna Niguel. This was the last contact with Bryce.
  • Early Morning (2:15 AM): Security footage captured Bryce’s car pulling off the highway onto an access road near Castaic Lake, driving up a mountain road toward a recreation area twice, though the driver’s identity wasn’t confirmed.
  • Morning (5:30 AM): California Highway Patrol found Bryce’s Toyota Highlander overturned in a ravine near Lake Hughes Road, down a 25-foot embankment. The rear window was shattered, and his phone, wallet, laptop, and a duffel bag were inside, but Bryce was gone. There was blood in the car, but not enough to suggest fatal injury.
  • Investigation Begins: Karen and Michael, expecting Bryce’s arrival, were instead visited by police with news of the crashed car. Divers searched Castaic Lake, and police dogs tracked Bryce’s scent across a bridge to a nearby truck stop, where the trail went cold. No body or further evidence was found.
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Post-Disappearance (2013–2025)

  • September 4, 2013: Charred remains found near Castaic Lake were confirmed not to be Bryce’s.
  • 2017: A skull found off Templin Highway near Castaic was also ruled out as Bryce’s.
  • April 25, 2022: An alleged sighting of Bryce in Missoula, Montana, was investigated by Detective Ethan Smith. The individual resembled Bryce but was confirmed to be someone else.
  • August 30, 2023: Marking the 10th anniversary, NCMEC released an age-progressed image of Bryce at 29. Karen Laspisa spoke to NCMEC, saying, “The past 10 years have been a devastating journey for our family, but we’ve maintained an unyielding hope that Bryce will come back to us.” The family shared memories on the Find Bryce Laspisa Facebook page, urging the public to keep his story alive.
  • August 30, 2024: On the 11th anniversary, the family posted on the Find Bryce Laspisa Facebook page: “Eleven years ago, Aug. 30th 2013, Bryce went missing. Still no answers or closure. No confirmed sightings but we appreciate continued thoughts and prayers, keeping Bryce’s story alive.”
  • April 2025: No new confirmed leads or sightings have emerged. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (323-890-5500) and NCMEC (1-800-843-5678) remain open to tips.

Theories and Speculation

Several theories have been proposed, none confirmed:

  1. Suicide: Bryce’s actions—giving away possessions, breaking up with Kim, and cryptic texts—suggest possible suicidal intent. The car crash could have been deliberate, but no body was found, and the blood in the car was minimal.
  2. Voluntary Disappearance: Leaving his phone, wallet, and laptop might indicate Bryce intended to start a new life, possibly due to personal struggles or family dynamics. Some speculate he hitched a ride from the truck stop.
  3. Accident or Confusion: The crash might have caused a head injury or disorientation, especially if influenced by Vyvanse or alcohol withdrawal. He could have wandered off, succumbing to exposure, or been picked up by someone.
  4. Foul Play: Though less likely, some theorize Bryce encountered harm after the crash, possibly at the truck stop, but no evidence supports this.
  5. Psychotic Break: Vyvanse misuse, combined with alcohol, could have triggered a psychotic episode, explaining his erratic behavior and disappearance.
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Reddit discussions, particularly on r/UnsolvedMysteries, highlight public theories, with some users suggesting Bryce’s actions reflect a desire to escape, possibly from controlling family dynamics, while others believe he may have died by suicide or exposure.

Current Status and Family Efforts

Bryce’s case remains open with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. His family actively maintains the Find Bryce Laspisa Facebook page, sharing updates and encouraging tips. Karen and Michael continue to honor Bryce’s memory, describing him as a loving, talented son. The lack of confirmed sightings or evidence keeps the case cold, but the family’s hope persists, supported by NCMEC’s ongoing efforts.

Critical Analysis

Bryce Laspisa’s disappearance is marked by a series of unusual behaviors and decisions, from his heavy substance use to his inexplicable 30-hour journey. The Vyvanse misuse and alcohol consumption likely played a role in his mental state, potentially causing depression or psychosis. The scent trail ending at a truck stop suggests he left the crash site, but whether by choice or in a confused state remains unclear. The absence of his body, despite extensive searches, leans against suicide or accidental death in the immediate area, making voluntary disappearance or an untraced fate more plausible. The family’s narrative of a close bond contrasts with Bryce’s actions, hinting at unspoken pressures or struggles. The case underscores the challenges of tracking missing persons when digital and physical trails vanish abruptly.

If you have information about Bryce Laspisa, contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department at (323) 890-5500 or NCMEC at 1-800-843-5678. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS or via their app/website.

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