Derek was last seen at approximately 12:02 a.m. on August 6, 2014, walking north on Alvarado Street without a bag.
Case summary
What we know.
A clearer presentation of the original evidence summary, including the final confirmed sightings and the camera locations reviewed along the northbound route.
Reviewed footage did not show him reaching Glendale Boulevard. The original team concluded that he likely left the route before that intersection.
Known timeline
The final confirmed movements.
Times are drawn from the original case summary and available camera footage.
10:34 p.m. · August 5, 2014
Vons on Alvarado Street
Derek was recorded at Vons and withdrew $200 in cash.
11:59 p.m. · August 5, 2014
Walking north alone
Footage showed Derek walking north on Alvarado Street. His footwear helped confirm his identity.
12:02 a.m. · August 6, 2014
Last confirmed sighting
Derek was seen continuing north on Alvarado Street, wearing two outer layers and carrying no bag.
Camera review
Explore the evidence map.
Pan and zoom through the original annotated corridor. Select an area to match its numbered camera locations with the findings recorded by the search team.
Investigated corridor
Choose an area
Each section matches the location key from the original investigation map.
How to read this map
The full investigated route
Select an area to zoom in and read what the available footage showed.
Map annotations are preserved from the 2019 case summary. Open the full-resolution original.
Investigated questions
What was checked.
The wording has been edited for clarity and respect. These answers summarize the historical case page; they do not represent new investigative findings.
Were his phone, tablet, and computer examined?
Yes. The devices and available records were examined, and significant leads and locations were followed up. No decisive finding was reported.
Why was the $200 cash withdrawal notable?
Derek withdrew $200 at Vons at about 10:35 p.m. Friends considered this unusual because he did not normally carry much cash.
Could he have taken a taxi or rideshare?
Phone records did not show an unknown taxi call. Investigators considered the possibility that he used a public phone and paid cash, but reviewed footage did not show a taxi on the known route during the relevant period.
Were hospitals, morgues, and jails checked?
The original search team reported that Los Angeles County and surrounding facilities were monitored for Derek and unidentified patients or decedents.
Was there evidence of a suicide note?
No. The original case summary states that an early report was incorrect and that no suicide note was found in his files, room, or email accounts.
What other places were considered?
Friends and investigators considered Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, San Francisco, Atlanta, Half Dome, Cambria, and Mexico based on rotations, travel, and places Derek knew. The known homes in Cambria and Palm Springs were checked in August 2014.
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