"He was using it recreationally. I have no idea how long he'd been taking it or how much he used that night... But what we do know is that Kim and Sean say that he was using it at least over the two weeks that he was back for his sophomore year." — Ashley Flowers (Discussing Bryce's recreational use of Vivanse)
"The only thing he'll give them is he says, my GPS says, I'll be home at 325. Every time, like, well, my GPS says, my GPS says, but no landmarks." — Ashley Flowers (Highlighting Bryce's vague responses when asked for his location)
"When police investigate the scene, it looks like sometime before dawn, Bryce drove off the main road, heading up a hill towards a cell tower. He passed the cell tower and then went down the hill and started accelerating through brush towards the lake." — Ashley Flowers (Describing the circumstances of the car crash)
This episode of Crimejunkie investigates the baffling disappearance of 19-year-old Bryce Laspisa in August 2019. After a seemingly normal freshman year at college, Bryce returned for his sophomore year exhibiting significant behavioral changes, including increased alcohol consumption and recreational use of Vivanse, a stimulant. His roommate and girlfriend noted his erratic behavior, leading to concerns for his well-being. Bryce's interactions with his mother in the days leading up to his disappearance were marked by confusion and uncharacteristic responses, including a cryptic text message to his girlfriend stating, "You're better off without me," and an apparent decision to break up with her.
The narrative details Bryce's increasingly strange actions on August 28th and 29th, including a call to his mother from his girlfriend's house where his keys were being withheld due to his condition, followed by a call stating he was heading home but pinging an hour south of his apartment. The following day, his parents discovered his car was being towed after running out of gas in Buttonwillow, California. Upon inspection, he was found sitting in the same location hours later, offering minimal explanation. Despite assurances from law enforcement that he appeared lucid, Bryce's parents grew concerned when he failed to return home as expected, leading them to file a missing person report.
The mystery deepened when Bryce's car was found overturned and abandoned near Kaseyuk Lake, with evidence suggesting he had driven off a road and into the lake. Investigations revealed he had been captured on surveillance cameras going up a hill towards the lake multiple times prior to the crash. Despite extensive searches, Bryce has never been found. Theories range from him walking away from his life, foul play, to him still being in the lake. The episode highlights the use of Vivanse, sleep deprivation, and potential mental health factors as contributing elements to his behavior, while also emphasizing the distinctive appearance of Bryce, which fuels hope for his potential identification if seen.