Japanese Photographer Missing in LA

UPDATE:

On September 15. 2006, San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the deceased male body that was discovered in a wooded area between La Jolla Farms Road and Blacks Beach in La Jolla was Go Masuda. Masuda’s death was ruled a suicide by the medical examiners. Japanese Consulate Personnel notified Masuda’s family of his death and identification.

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a Japanese photographer who has been missing since September 3, 2006.

The missing photographer is 29-year old Go Masuda, and he is 5′ 8", 170 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark blazer style jacket, white shirt and blue jeans. He came from Japan and was scheduled to be in Los Angeles from September 1st through September 4th, 2006 for a music photo shoot.

Masuda’s last known whereabouts on September 3, 2006, at 7:55 AM, was the northbound 405 Freeway at Montana Street, where he accessed a Call Box, requesting assistance because he had run out of gas. On September 3, 2006, at 8:25 AM, Masuda’s rented vehicle was found abandoned (out of gas) at the location. As a California Highway Patrol officer was impounding the vehicle, he found photo equipment still in the vehicle. There was no evidence of foul play, but Masuda is listed as missing under "unknown circumstances." The vehicle has since been released back to the rental agency.

Masuda’s physical and mental health is described as good. He has no prior history of being missing. Family and co-workers describe him as being very responsible and his disappearance as being out of character. He has lived in San Diego in the past and is familiar with the area. He also speaks both English and Japanese.

Missing Persons Unit will handle all press contacts.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Go Masuda contact the LAPD’s, Missing Persons Unit Detectives Lydia Dillard or Bruce Kuehl at 213-485-5381. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).