The person at the center of this case
John Donal Rafferty
Missing Person · Open
47 years waiting · since 1979
Missing Person: John Donal Rafferty
Justice for John Donal Rafferty — the trail went cold in 1979, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
👁️
witness
Lead #1Who treated Rafferty at UCLA Medical Center and what details did they document about the mugging incident?
💡
clue
Lead #2What employment records exist for landscaping, rug cleaning, or carpentry work in Los Angeles during 1979-1981?
⏰
timeline
Lead #3Why did Rafferty travel from Dallas to Los Angeles, and who were his known contacts in California?
John Donal Rafferty, a 30-year-old white male, left Dallas in May 1979 and was last known to be in Los Angeles, California. He was treated for injuries from a mugging at UCLA Medical Center around 1980 or 1981 and may have worked in landscaping, rug cleaning, or carpentry. Despite decades of investigation, his current whereabouts remain unknown, and anyone with information about his activities or location is urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department.
Case
#2515
Los Angeles Police Department - Adult Missing Persons Unit
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
🔍
evidence
Lead #4Are there any police reports filed regarding the mugging incident that could provide additional leads?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP13016. Missing person: John Donal Rafferty.
Last known contact: 1979-05-01 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA. Circumstances: Left Dallas in May 1979, treated for mugging in Los Angles CA 1980 or '81 (UCLA Medical Center), may work for cash as landscaper, rug cleaner, carpenter.
Demographics: 30 years, Male, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 5 ft 7 in, 125 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Hazel.
Investigating agency: Los Angeles Police Department- Adult Missing Persons Unit | 130325305.
Timeline of Events
👤
1979-05-01
Left Dallas
John Donal Rafferty departed Dallas in May 1979
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1980-1981
Mugging treatment
Treated for injuries sustained in a mugging at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:May 1, 1979
Last Updated:June 26, 2026
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Phone: 8772755273
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Case Information
Incident:May 1, 1979
Last Updated:June 26, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 8772755273
You can remain anonymous