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 were documented about his mugging and injuries?
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contact
Lead #2Did Rafferty maintain contact with anyone in Dallas or elsewhere after arriving in Los Angeles?
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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 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. Nearly 50 years later, his whereabouts remain unknown, and investigators seek information about his activities and contacts during his time in Los Angeles.
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 #4Did Rafferty have associates or friends in the Los Angeles area who might recall his activities or whereabouts?
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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 for Los Angeles
John Donal Rafferty departed Dallas, Texas in May 1979
📋
1980-01-01
Treated for mugging injuries
Rafferty was treated for injuries sustained in a mugging at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, approximately 1980 or 1981
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:May 1, 1979
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
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Phone: 8772755273
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Case Information
Incident:May 1, 1979
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 8772755273
You can remain anonymous