Mitrice Richardson was 24 years old, intelligent, creative, and deeply curious about the world. She had recently graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a degree in psychology and philosophy and was known for her warmth, humor, and unconventional thinking.

True Crime Weekly is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

She also struggled quietly with mental health issues something her family was aware of and actively monitoring. But Mitrice was not violent, reckless, or prone to disappearing without explanation.

What happened to her in September 2009 would become one of the most controversial law-enforcement cases in modern California history.

Check out UNSOLVED CASE FILES – Cold Case Murder Mystery Game

UNSOLVED CASE FILES

The Night Everything Went Wrong

On September 16, 2009, Mitrice went alone to Geoffrey’s Malibu, an upscale restaurant. Witnesses later described her behavior as confused, distracted, and erratic. She reportedly attempted to pay with someone else’s credit card and wandered between tables talking to strangers.

Restaurant staff contacted the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies arrived and arrested Mitrice for misdemeanor trespassing after she could not pay her bill. She was transported to the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station shortly after 10:30 p.m.

Here is the point where the case becomes indefensible.

Despite:

• Acknowledged odd behavior
• Late-night timing
• No car
• No phone
• No purse
• No money
• No transportation
• Family calling to retrieve her

Mitrice was released from custody at approximately 12:28 a.m., alone, into a dark, rural area miles from home.

Her mother, Latoya Richardson, called the station repeatedly, begging deputies not to release her daughter overnightand offering to drive immediately to pick her up.

She was told Mitrice would be held.

She wasn’t.

True Crime Weekly is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Walking Into Darkness

Security footage captured Mitrice walking out of the station and heading into the darkness. That was the last confirmed sighting of her alive.

The area surrounding the station includes:

• Steep canyons
• Mountain terrain
• Wildlife
• No sidewalks
• Minimal lighting
• No late-night services

Deputies did not arrange transportation.
They did not conduct a mental health evaluation.
They did not notify her family upon release.

Eight Months of Silence

For months, Mitrice’s family searched relentlessly. Volunteers canvassed canyons. Flyers were posted. Media attention grew. Yet law enforcement responses were slow, defensive, and often contradictory.

Then, in August 2010, hikers discovered partial skeletal remains in Dark Canyon, roughly six miles from where Mitrice was last seen.

The remains were scattered consistent with animal activity. Her skull was located months later, found separately in another area.

The condition of the remains made it impossible to determine:

• Cause of death
• Whether foul play occurred
• Whether she died shortly after release or survived for some time

Theories 

1. Exposure After Disorientation

Mitrice may have wandered into the canyon system and succumbed to the elements. However, many question how she navigated such terrain at night without injury being clearly identified.

2. Foul Play After Release

The area was not secured. No surveillance tracked her path. Some believe she encountered someone after leaving the station.

3. Law Enforcement Negligence

This is not speculation it is documented. Deputies violated their own internal guidelines by releasing her under those conditions.

4. Missed Opportunities to Save Her

Had deputies waited until morning, allowed family pickup, or arranged safe transport, Mitrice would almost certainly still be alive.

True Crime Weekly is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Lawsuit and Accountability

Mitrice’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Los Angeles County.

In 2014, the county agreed to a $900,000 settlement, while denying liability.

No deputy was criminally charged.

No official disciplinary action brought public closure.