Brandon Lawson Disappearance & Death Near Bronte Texas

The disappearance of Brandon Lawson on August 9, 2013, near Bronte, Texas, remains one of the most baffling missing persons cases in recent history. Brandon’s cryptic 911 call, his abandoned truck, and the absence of any clear evidence have led to widespread speculation and countless theories. Despite extensive search efforts and public attention, the case continues to confound investigators and the public alike.

Background on Brandon Lawson

Brandon Lawson was a 26-year-old father of four living in San Angelo, Texas. He worked in the oil field industry, a demanding job that required long hours but provided for his young family. He was in a long-term relationship with Ladessa Lofton, with whom he shared three children. By all accounts, Brandon was a devoted father and a hard worker, but he also had struggles, including a prior criminal record that had left him with an active warrant.

The Night of August 8–9, 2013

Argument and Departure

On the evening of August 8, 2013, Brandon and Ladessa had a disagreement at their home in San Angelo. Frustrated, Brandon decided to leave and cool off. He left around 11:54 p.m., telling Ladessa he was heading to his father’s house in Crowley, Texas, about three hours away. Ladessa later reported that she believed he needed time to calm down but did not think he intended to stay away permanently.

Brandon’s Phone Calls

At approximately 12:30 a.m. on August 9, Brandon called his brother, Kyle Lawson, explaining that his truck had run out of gas on U.S. Route 277, near Bronte, Texas. During this call, Brandon sounded alarmed and claimed that “three Mexicans” were “chasing him out of town.” The exact meaning of this statement remains unclear, and Kyle initially assumed Brandon might be paranoid or confused due to exhaustion.

Kyle and his wife agreed to drive out to help Brandon, bringing a fuel can with them. They also asked Ladessa to leave a gas can on the porch, in case Brandon returned home to retrieve it.

The 911 Call

At 12:54 a.m., Brandon made a 911 call to the local authorities in Coke County. The call, which lasted about one minute, has been widely analyzed and debated due to its fragmented and cryptic nature. Brandon sounded distressed and spoke rapidly, saying:

“Yes, I’m in the middle of a field…(inaudible)…pulled some guys over, right here going toward Abilene, on both sides…(inaudible)…my truck ran out of gas…there’s one car here, the guy’s chasing (inaudible) to the woods. Please hurry!”

The call was difficult to interpret due to poor audio quality and Brandon’s panicked tone. However, key points suggest that Brandon believed he was being pursued and needed immediate assistance. Despite the urgency, the dispatcher struggled to gather clear information, and the call abruptly ended.

The Encounter at Brandon Lawson’s Truck: A Puzzling Moment

One of the most perplexing aspects of Brandon Lawson’s disappearance revolves around the moment his brother Kyle Lawson, accompanied by a sheriff’s deputy, found Brandon’s truck on U.S. Route 277 in the early hours of August 9, 2013. This encounter, which occurred while Kyle was on the phone with Brandon, has sparked widespread speculation and remains a focal point in the mystery of Brandon’s disappearance.

Finding the Truck

Around 12:30 a.m., Brandon called Kyle and explained that his truck had run out of gas on U.S. Route 277, approximately four miles south of Bronte, Texas. Concerned for his brother, Kyle set out to help him, bringing a gas can. Kyle’s wife and child accompanied him on the drive. By the time Kyle arrived at the location Brandon had described, a Coke County sheriff’s deputy had also reached the scene, responding to reports of Brandon’s truck being parked hazardously on the road.

The truck was empty when Kyle and the deputy arrived. Its doors were unlocked, and there were no immediate signs of a struggle or foul play. The hazard lights were still on, but Brandon was nowhere to be seen.

The Cryptic Phone Call

While at the scene, Kyle spoke to Brandon over the phone. During this conversation, Brandon’s tone was urgent, and he said, “I’m right here. I can see you.” Despite this assertion, neither Kyle nor the deputy could locate him. Kyle reportedly looked around the truck and surrounding area, calling out for Brandon, but there was no response.

Brandon’s words suggested he was nearby, possibly watching them from a hidden vantage point. The surrounding area was rugged, with dense brush, rocky terrain, and limited visibility in the darkness, which might explain why Kyle and the deputy couldn’t find him. However, the lack of clear signs of Brandon’s presence added a layer of mystery to the situation.

Speculation About the Encounter at the Truck

Hiding Due to the Warrant

One theory is that Brandon, aware of his active arrest warrant, may have been hiding from the deputy to avoid potential legal trouble. This theory is supported by Kyle’s belief that his brother might have been lying low in the surrounding area.

Disorientation or Fear

Brandon’s phone call earlier to 911 suggested he believed he was in immediate danger, claiming someone was chasing him. It’s possible that Brandon was disoriented, either from exhaustion, stress, or another unknown factor, and fled further into the brush to avoid perceived threats.

Foul Play or External Forces

Some speculate that Brandon’s fear during the 911 call and his inability to reunite with Kyle and the deputy point to the involvement of another party. His statement, “I’m right here,” may have been a plea for help or a signal of distress rather than a literal description of his location.

Aftermath of the Encounter

Kyle and the deputy eventually left the scene, unable to locate Brandon. Kyle left a gas can in the back of the truck, assuming Brandon might return to retrieve it. However, when the truck was towed around 8:00 a.m., there was still no sign of Brandon.

This moment, when Brandon seemed so close yet remained elusive, encapsulates the haunting uncertainty surrounding his disappearance. The combination of his cryptic statement, the desolate environment, and the absence of concrete evidence has left investigators and his loved ones grappling with more questions than answers.

The Search for Brandon Lawson

Initial Search Efforts

When Brandon did not contact his family or return home, a missing persons report was filed. Law enforcement and volunteers began an extensive search of the area around U.S. Route 277, focusing on the rugged terrain near Brandon’s last known location. The search included ground teams, helicopters, and K-9 units, but no trace of Brandon was found.

The area where Brandon disappeared is known for its dense brush, rocky terrain, and wildlife, including rattlesnakes and wild boars, which added to the challenges of the search.

Social Media Campaigns

The disappearance of Brandon Lawson gained significant attention online, with social media campaigns, podcasts, and YouTube videos bringing the case to a wider audience. A Facebook page titled “Help Find Brandon Lawson” was created to share updates and gather information. The case became a focal point for true crime enthusiasts, who analyzed the 911 call and speculated on what might have happened.

Theories About Brandon’s Disappearance

Accidental Death

One theory is that Brandon may have succumbed to the elements or suffered an accident while fleeing through the rugged terrain. His disoriented state, combined with the darkness and hazardous environment, could have led to a fatal injury or exposure to wildlife. The absence of his body, however, complicates this theory.

Foul Play

Brandon’s 911 call suggested that he believed he was being chased or threatened. Some theorists speculate that Brandon may have encountered individuals who harmed him. The claim that “one car” was present and the mention of being “chased to the woods” lend credence to the possibility of foul play.

Voluntary Disappearance

A less popular theory is that Brandon intentionally disappeared to avoid his legal troubles or due to personal issues. However, his family disputes this theory, emphasizing that he would never have willingly abandoned his children.

Breakthrough in 2022

On February 4, 2022, search efforts led by volunteers and Brandon’s family uncovered clothing believed to belong to Brandon near the vicinity of his last known location. Further searches by the Texas Rangers resulted in the discovery of human remains. While DNA testing has not yet conclusively identified these remains as belonging to Brandon Lawson, it was strongly believed that the remains belonged to him.

The discovery brought a degree of closure to his family, but many questions remain unanswered about what happened on the night of August 9, 2013.

Lingering Questions

Brandon Lawson’s disappearance has left a series of unresolved mysteries:

• What caused Brandon to believe he was being chased?
• Who or what was he referring to in his 911 call?
• Why did the search efforts fail to locate him for nearly a decade?
• Was Brandon’s death the result of an accident, foul play, or something else?

Conclusion

The disappearance of Brandon Lawson is a haunting case that highlights the fragility of life and the complexities of missing persons investigations. While the discovery of remains believed to be Brandon has provided some closure, the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain shrouded in mystery. For Brandon’s family, friends, and the many who have followed his story, the search for answers continues.