Introduction

The disappearance of 19-year-old Tom Ray Starkel in December 1979 remains one of Palmdale, California's most perplexing cold cases. Despite extensive investigations, the circumstances surrounding his vanishing continue to baffle authorities and haunt those who knew him.

Background

Born on July 15, 1960, Tom was a recent graduate of Palmdale High School. He was actively involved in the First Assembly of God Church, where his grandfather served as pastor. Described as a Caucasian male with blond hair and green eyes, Tom stood 5'6" tall and weighed approximately 150 pounds. On the evening of December 5, 1979, he was last seen wearing a tan sweater, brown corduroy pants, and sneakers. ...Read More