1 Jan 2026
Episode 4 - The Disappearance of Bryce Laspisa
By Candlelight – Episode 4
The Disappearance of Bryce Laspisa
In August of 2013, nineteen-year-old Bryce Laspisa left his girlfriend’s apartment in Northern California, telling those around him he was driving home to his parents. He never arrived.
Over the next 48 hours, Bryce’s behavior grew increasingly concerning: prolonged stalling in Buttonwillow, a late-night drive toward Castaic Lake, and a mysterious crash that left his belongings behind—but no sign of Bryce himself.
In this episode, Ashlin tells Bryce’s story by carefully examining the timeline, search efforts, and the theories that have followed his disappearance for more than a decade. Through a survivor’s lens, she also explores how crisis, exhaustion, substances, and internal psychological warfare can shape behavior in ways that are often misunderstood from the outside.
This episode is not just about a mystery.
It’s about a young man, the people who loved him, and the unanswered question of what happened after he walked away from his vehicle in the early morning hours of August 30, 2013.
🕯️ Content Warning & Listener Discretion
This episode includes discussion of suicide, suicidal ideation, crisis states, and hospitalization for safety.
If you need to pause, skip, or return later—that’s okay.
Name: Bryce David Laspisa
Missing Since: August 30, 2013
Age at Disappearance: 19
Height: 5’11”
Weight: Approx. 170 lbs
Hair / Eyes: Red hair, blue-green eyes
Distinguishing Mark: Taurus bull tattoo on left shoulder
Last Known Location: Castaic Lake area, Los Angeles County, California
Vehicle: 2003 Toyota Highlander, found overturned near Castaic Lake
👉 Official NCMEC Missing Poster:
https://www.missingkids.org/poster/NCMC/1222511/1 (https://www.missingkids.org/poster/NCMC/1222511/1)
Please contact:
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department: 323-890-5500
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children:
1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
If you are struggling, please know: you matter, and you deserve support.
United States:
Call or text 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Or go to your nearest emergency room and say (or hand them a note):
“I am in a mental health crisis.”
Outside the U.S.:
Visit findahelpline.com to locate local resources.
Please stay with us.
Don’t blow your candle out.
One candle loses nothing by lighting another.
If you are listening as a friend, partner, parent, or loved one—your presence matters.
If by some chance you are out there and ever hear this:
You are not forgotten.
You are not alone.
You are not defined by the events of late August 2013.
You matter, just as you always have.
People love you and would simply like to know you are safe.
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children — Bryce Laspisa (official poster)
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Media coverage of Bryce’s disappearance and decade-long unresolved case
🎙️ By Candlelight Podcast
📸 Instagram: @bycandlelightpod
🕯️ Listener stories and case recommendations:
bycandlelightpod@gmail.com
Before You Drift Off
Some episodes stay with us longer than others. After listening, rest matters.
Case InformationIf You Have InformationMental Health ResourcesA Note to BryceSources & Further ReadingBy Candlelight partners with Promeed to support better sleep and winding down when the stories feel heavy.
🛏️ Shop Promeed: https://tidd.ly/3NuP52E (https://tidd.ly/3NuP52E)
✨ Use code CANDLELIGHT15 for 15% off and help support the show.
