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
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witness
Lead #1Who treated Rafferty at UCLA Medical Center and what details did they record about the mugging incident?
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contact
Lead #2Did Rafferty have any known associates, friends, or family in the Los Angeles area who may have information about his activities?
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clue
Lead #3What employment records exist for landscaping, rug cleaning, or carpentry work in Los Angeles during 1979-1981?
John Donal Rafferty, a 30-year-old man, left Dallas in May 1979 and was last known to be in Los Angeles, California. He was treated for a mugging at UCLA Medical Center around 1980 or 1981 and may have worked odd jobs as a landscaper, rug cleaner, or carpenter. Nearly five decades later, his whereabouts remain unknown, and investigators seek any information about his activities or location after his last confirmed contact.
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.
👤
person
Lead #4Has anyone matching Rafferty's description been identified in any unidentified remains cases or hospital records since 1979?
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
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1979-05-01
Last known contact
John Donal Rafferty was last known to be in Los Angeles, California in May 1979 after leaving Dallas.
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1980-1981
Medical treatment for mugging
Rafferty was treated for a mugging at UCLA Medical Center around 1980 or 1981.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:May 1, 1979
Last Updated:June 19, 2026
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Phone: 8772755273
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Case Information
Incident:May 1, 1979
Last Updated:June 19, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 8772755273
You can remain anonymous