John Otis LaMay was 17 and from Corona, California when he was reported missing in 1977. On March 13, 1977, he set out to meet a man named Dave at Redondo Beach, a person he had met at a local gym, and did not return. Nearly a month after he was reported missing, LaMay’s body was found in Temescal Canyon, wrapped in plastic bags and placed inside an 80-gallon can.

Investigators linked the killing to Patrick Wayne Kearney, also known as the Trash Bag Killer, after evidence near LaMay’s body and subsequent questioning. Kearney, who had a pattern of picking up young men and killing them, reportedly confessed to LaMay’s murder along with other killings and later faced charges that resulted in life imprisonment.

Anyone who knew John Otis LaMay, his movements in March 1977, or the man he planned to meet is asked to come forward with information.