Laurence Kailanii Brannum
Case Type:Endangered
DOB:Jun 30, 1999
Missing Date:Apr 15, 2009
Age Now:12
Missing City: Santa Maria
Missing State: CA
Case Number:NCMC1120672
Gender:Male
Race:Black
Complexion:Light
Height:4-9
Weight:64
Hair Color:Brown
Hair Length:Short
Eye Color:Brown
Location Last Seen: Laurence was last seen in Santa Maria, CA at 10AM on Apr. 15, 2009. He was camping in the area with friends.
Circumstances of Disappearance: While playing on the rocks at the north end of Paradise Beach, near Mussel Rock, he was knocked over by a wave and swept out to sea. The area where he was is very remote and accessible only by foot, and you had to walk for three hours to get cellular phone reception, so the authorities didn’t begin the search until after 4PM. An extensive search turned up no sign of him or his body. The ocean in that area is rough and very dangerous, and others have died after being swept into the water in similar circumstances. Laurence was adopted by a single woman as an infant; she also adopted his three older siblings. His family describes him as an outdoorsy and adventurous child who loved animals, nature, sports and memorizing Bible verses. He was in the third grade at Harloe Elementary School at the time of his disappearance. He is presumed to have drowned, but he remains missing since his body has never been recovered.
Have information about this missing person? Contact the Black and Missing Tip Line!
