Timeline of Events: The Disappearance of Bryce Laspisa
Bryce Laspisa, a 19-year-old college student, vanished under mysterious circumstances in 2013. His disappearance has baffled investigators and gripped the public’s attention. Bryce’s erratic behavior in the days leading up to his disappearance and the strange chain of events have left many questions unanswered. Below is a detailed timeline of the events that led to the disappearance of Bryce Laspisa, along with the ongoing investigation.
Early Life and Background of Bryce Laspisa
Bryce David Laspisa was born on April 30, 1994, to Karen and Michael Laspisa. The family lived in Naperville, Illinois, before moving to Laguna Niguel, California, after Bryce graduated from high school. He was described as a charismatic and outgoing young man, making friends easily. In 2012, Bryce started his freshman year at Sierra College in Rocklin, California, where he majored in graphic design. By all accounts, Bryce was thriving both socially and academically, but things took a drastic turn during his sophomore year.
August 2013: Signs of Trouble Begin to Appear
In August 2013, shortly after the fall semester began, those close to Bryce started noticing unusual changes in his behavior. His friends and girlfriend, Kim Sly, became increasingly concerned.
August 27, 2013: Bryce’s Erratic Behavior
On August 27, 2013, Bryce’s behavior raised red flags. His roommate, Sean Dixon, noticed Bryce was acting strangely and believed he had been abusing the prescription drug Vyvanse, a stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD. Sean also mentioned that Bryce had been drinking heavily, which was out of character for him. When confronted, Bryce admitted to taking Vyvanse but downplayed its effects.
That evening, Bryce broke up with his girlfriend, Kim, via text message. The sudden breakup was unexpected, especially since they had been dating for a while with no apparent issues. Concerned for Bryce’s well-being, Kim decided to visit him, but Bryce refused to see her, saying she would be better off without him.
August 28, 2013: Bryce’s Mysterious Road Trip
11:30 AM: Bryce Leaves Campus
On August 28, 2013, Bryce left his apartment near Sierra College around 11:30 AM, but it remains unclear where he intended to go. Despite attempts to reach him, Bryce’s whereabouts for the next several hours were unknown.
11:00 PM: Bryce is in Buttonwillow, California
At 11:00 PM, more than 12 hours after he left campus, Bryce was located by his parents in Buttonwillow, California, a small town about 350 miles south of Sierra College and roughly halfway between his college and his parents’ home in Laguna Niguel. Bryce had not informed anyone where he was headed, and his parents were worried. After speaking with him, they assumed he was coming home.
Bryce’s mother, Karen, urged him to stay overnight in a hotel because it was late, but Bryce insisted that he was fine to drive. Unbeknownst to his parents, Bryce didn’t continue his trip home after this phone call.
August 29, 2013: Bryce’s Unusual Behavior Continues
1:00 AM: Bryce Calls His Parents Again
A couple of hours after speaking with his mother, Bryce called his parents once again. He assured them that he was on his way home, but his voice reportedly sounded distant and emotionless. Karen believed something was wrong, but Bryce reassured her that he was fine.
9:00 AM: Roadside Assistance Encounter
The next morning, at around 9:00 AM, Bryce was still in Buttonwillow. His car had run out of gas, and he contacted roadside assistance for help. A man named Christian, who worked for Castro Tire & Service in Buttonwillow, came to assist Bryce. After filling up Bryce’s gas tank, Christian noticed something was off about Bryce’s demeanor and called his parents to express his concerns.
Bryce’s mother called him and insisted he stay put so she could drive up to meet him. Bryce agreed but stayed in the same spot for hours without moving.
12:30 PM: Bryce Drives Off
Despite his mother’s request, Bryce drove off from Buttonwillow at around 12:30 PM. For several hours, his parents had no idea where he was or what his plans were. They repeatedly tried to contact him, but their calls were either missed or ignored.
2:00 PM: A Final Phone Call
Later that day, Bryce contacted his mother again, telling her that he was driving on Interstate 5, heading toward Laguna Niguel. The call seemed normal, and his parents expected him home soon, but Bryce never arrived.
August 30, 2013: Bryce’s Car is Found
2:15 AM: Car Crash at Castaic Lake
In the early hours of August 30, 2013, Bryce’s 2003 Toyota Highlander was found abandoned near Castaic Lake in Southern California. The car had crashed down a 25-foot embankment and was overturned on its side. Inside the vehicle were Bryce’s belongings, including his laptop, phone, and wallet, but there was no sign of Bryce.
Authorities found no evidence of foul play at the scene, and the car’s crash seemed intentional. Tire tracks indicated that Bryce had driven off the embankment deliberately. Search efforts were immediately launched, but Bryce had vanished.
August 30 – September 4, 2013: Intensive Search
Over the next few days, search and rescue teams, along with law enforcement, combed the Castaic Lake area. Divers scoured the lake, helicopters flew overhead, and ground teams scoured the rugged terrain. Despite the extensive search, no trace of Bryce was found. Bloodhounds picked up his scent leading to a nearby truck stop, suggesting he may have left the area, but this clue led nowhere.
Theories Behind Bryce’s Disappearance
Several theories have emerged over the years to explain Bryce Laspisa’s disappearance, but none have been proven. These theories include:
1. Accidental Death
One of the most widely held beliefs is that Bryce wandered away from the crash site, disoriented or injured, and succumbed to the elements in the surrounding wilderness. However, despite extensive searches, no remains or evidence to support this theory have been found.
2. Foul Play
Though authorities found no immediate signs of foul play, some have speculated that Bryce may have encountered someone after leaving his car who caused him harm. The fact that Bryce’s car crash appeared deliberate has fueled suspicions that something more sinister occurred.
3. Suicide
Given Bryce’s uncharacteristic behavior in the days leading up to his disappearance and his apparent emotional distress, some believe that Bryce may have taken his own life. However, without any remains or evidence, this theory remains speculative.
4. Voluntary Disappearance
Some theorize that Bryce may have chosen to start a new life and disappear intentionally. His odd behavior, the breakup with his girlfriend, and his refusal to see his parents could be seen as indicators that Bryce was planning to leave everything behind. Yet, there is no conclusive evidence to support this theory.
The Ongoing Investigation and Public Interest
Despite the passage of time, the search for Bryce Laspisa continues. His case has garnered widespread attention through social media, podcasts, and true crime forums, with thousands of people trying to piece together the puzzle of his disappearance. Investigators have received numerous tips and leads over the years, but none have led to a breakthrough.
Bryce’s parents remain hopeful that one day they will learn what happened to their son. In the years since his disappearance, the Laspisa family has kept Bryce’s memory alive, continuing to appeal to the public for any information that could help solve the case.
Conclusion: A Mystery That Endures
Bryce Laspisa’s disappearance remains one of the most perplexing missing person cases of recent times. Despite years of investigation, countless search efforts, and widespread media attention, Bryce’s fate remains unknown. His last known actions and the bizarre circumstances surrounding his disappearance have left both investigators and the public searching for answers.
As time goes on, the hope for closure remains, but the mystery of what happened to Bryce Laspisa continues to haunt those who followed his case. What exactly led Bryce to that fateful night near Castaic Lake, and where he went after his car crash, may remain a mystery for years to come.