Austin Jay Smith was 23 and from El Monte when he was last seen on March 23, 1993. He left home that evening to meet his former boss at the Rosemead High School auditorium to borrow equipment for DJ work. Despite concerns from family and his girlfriend about the strained relationship, Austin went to the meeting. His girlfriend later saw Austin’s truck parked next to his boss’s vehicle at the school, and the boss refused her entry. Both vehicles were still there later that night; Austin was never seen again after that encounter.

Austin’s truck was found the next day, abandoned near a dumpster a few blocks away. Investigators later found a small amount of blood in the auditorium, but it was mistakenly discarded. Suspicion has focused on the former boss after Austin wrote a letter accusing him of financial misconduct and reportedly received threats, but no charges have been filed because of insufficient evidence and the absence of Austin’s body. Austin was described as responsible and outgoing, caring for his widowed mother while studying at Citrus College and working toward a career. Does anyone who knew Austin or who was near Rosemead High School that night have information to share?