Going West: True Crime

Episode 363: Brandon Lawson
Released: December 8, 2023
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft & Heath Merryman

Overview

In this episode, Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman revisit the compelling and mysterious disappearance of Brandon Lawson, a 26-year-old Texan who vanished from a desolate stretch of highway in August 2013. Anchored by his haunting 9-1-1 call, this episode dives into Brandon’s personal background, the events on the night of his disappearance, extensive search efforts, the infamous phone call, leading theories, and the bittersweet update almost a decade later.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Brandon Lawson’s Background

• Born in 1986, Fort Worth, Texas; raised in a tight-knit family with siblings Kyle, Brittany, and Billy.
• High school relationship with Amanda (daughter Mackenzie), then with Ladessa Lofton (three more children: Destiny, Whitten, Nolan).
• Fond memories recounted: “We weren't the perfect couple. We grew up together. We were babies, but we were happy. We loved each other.” – Ladessa
• Worked grueling, long hours in Texas oil fields.
• Struggled off and on with methamphetamine, had an outstanding warrant from a previous drug charge.
• Despite past troubles, described as an excellent father and hard worker.

2. Timeline Leading to the Disappearance

• August 7-8, 2013: After an argument about a possible relapse and Brandon leaving overnight, tensions flare with Ladessa.
• Around midnight, Brandon leaves home in San Angelo, reportedly heading to his parents' in Crowley, TX.
• Multiple missed calls between Brandon and Ladessa after he leaves (12:34am, 12:36am, 12:38am).
• At approx. 12:38am, Brandon runs out of gas on Highway 277 near Bront, TX, and calls his brother Kyle for help. He claims he’s being chased.

3. The Infamous 9-1-1 Call

• At 12:50am, Brandon calls 9-1-1 for 44 seconds.

• Key quoted segment (approx. 14:01):
  Brandon: “Yes, I’m in the middle of the field… My truck ran out of gas. There’s one car here… guys chasing me into the woods. Please hurry.”

• Call’s audio is garbled and interpretations vary; Brandon is rushed, out of breath, possibly scared.

• Possible background noises (rustling, panting, some think gunshots).

• Operator struggles to understand; “Ah, you ran into him. Okay… Do you need an ambulance?”
  Brandon: “No, I need the cops. ...”
  (14:26)

• Repeated “Hello?” from operator, then silence.

• Discussion:
  “It's just such a tough call... the recording is garbled... people have alleged to hear different words.” – Daphne (15:47)

4. Immediate Aftermath & Search for Brandon

• After the 9-1-1 call, a flurry of calls between Brandon, Kyle, Ladessa, and others—all mostly unanswered or missed.
• At 1:18am, Brandon says to Kyle: “I can see you. I’m right here.” Then silence, and phone goes to voicemail by 1:19am.
  • Memorable quote:
    “I can see you. I’m right here.” – Brandon to Kyle (31:20)
• Kyle and a deputy arrive at Brandon’s abandoned truck but cannot locate him.
• Terrain: remote, brushy, with some clusters of trees—not open plains.
• Kyle leaves a gas can for Brandon and leaves, suspecting he’ll return once police are gone.

5. Ongoing Search Efforts & Family’s Ordeal

• Truck towed by 9am the following day.
• Multiple organized searches: volunteers, helicopters, thermal imaging, six cadaver dogs, Texas Rangers.
• No trace—no personal items, no clothing, no remains for nine years.
• Family deeply involved—flyers, social media campaigns, persistent searches.
• Quote:
  “For a person to have a wallet, keys... a cell phone, a cell phone case, all of that, and not one single thing to be found out there. I just don’t understand that.” – Kyle (40:02)

6. Theories & Community Speculation

• Theory 1: Brandon staged his disappearance (debunked—no money or transportation, withdrawn 401k likely unreachable).
• Theory 2: Kyle aided Brandon’s disappearance (debunked via polygraphs and investigation).
• Theory 3: Ladessa involved (she moved away 6 weeks later for children’s stability, maintained her innocence).
• Theory 4: Drug-induced psychosis (Brandon possibly hallucinating, delusions of being chased, etc).
  • “Methamphetamine is known to cause hallucinations, so it's entirely possible that he was experiencing drug induced psychosis...” – Daphne (45:42)
• Theory 5: Encounter with animal (e.g., feral hogs—common and dangerous in the area).
• Theory 6: Foul play—stumbled on criminal activity (cartel, drug operation), police cover-up (suspicion due to sheriff’s role in local paper, dismissive media coverage).
  • "The cops blocked Ladessa at every turn... The sheriff's wife was constantly fighting with everyone in Facebook comments. It was all very strange." – Local commentator (47:56)

7. Discovery of Remains (2022) & Lingering Uncertainties

• February 2022: Searchers find Brandon’s Nike shoes and camouflage shorts (~75 feet apart), followed by human remains in the same area as his truck.
  • Family: “Although DNA tests are needed to confirm identification, in our hearts we know that it’s Brandon.” (50:25)
• Official identification still pending (as of episode release).
• Quote from family update:
  “Very little remains were found... with each attempt of analysis, a small portion of the remains is destroyed in the process... The remains were exposed to the elements for over eight years...” (approx. 52:00)
• Deep questions remain about what happened—exposure, accident, foul play, hallucination-related misadventure.
• Family seeking closure; father Brad:
  “He deserves to be brought home to his family.” (55:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Opening Reflection:
  “This is still a big mystery. So it deserves to be talked about over and over again.” – Daphne (01:12)

• On missing phone calls:
  “Brandon called me three times and never left a voicemail that night. I'll never forgive myself for not having my phone on me.” – Ladessa (12:54)

• The 911 Call:
  “I'm in the middle of the field… My truck ran out of gas… guys chasing me into the woods. Please hurry.” – Brandon (14:01)

• Analytical Frustration:
  “It's just such a tough call... he has his Texas accent... they're kind of talking over each other... he's panting like something happened.” – Daphne (15:47)

• Haunting Last Words:
  “I can see you. I’m right here.” – Brandon to Kyle (31:20)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:20 – Episode introduction / Host’s personal connection
• 04:54 – Brandon’s background and family
• 07:44 – Discussion of Brandon’s struggles and relationship stress
• 13:05 – Timeline of phone calls and breakdown leading up to 9-1-1 call
• 14:01 – Original 9-1-1 call plays
• 15:47 – Analysis and debate over interpretation
• 22:17 – Breakdown of call timing and aftermath
• 30:11 – Search efforts, terrain details, and arrival of authorities/family
• 40:22 – Search escalation, theories, and family quotes
• 45:42 – Theories and family’s response to rumors
• 47:56 – Theories of foul play, police involvement, and investigative biases
• 50:25 – Discovery of remains and family update (2022)
• 54:41 – Reflections on possible scenarios, closure for family
• 55:46 – Family’s public plea for information

Episode Tone & Takeaways

Daphne and Heath maintain a tone of empathy, respectful curiosity, and focused analysis, frequently returning to the emotional toll on Brandon’s family and the lasting ambiguity of his fate. They highlight the difficulties in interpreting the 9-1-1 call, the complexity of the case, and the pain of not knowing, alongside community efforts and family persistence.

Final Reflection:
“Unfortunately, we may never know what exactly happened that night, but hopefully his family does get those answers and they'll be able to have some sort of closure in this case.” – Heath (55:33)

Contact for Tips:
Texas Department of Safety: (512) 424-5074

For further discussion and case photos:

• Instagram: @goingwestpodcast
• Twitter: @goingwestpod
• Facebook: Going West Discussion Group

For listeners and readers, this episode offers a clear timeline, a humanizing portrait of Brandon Lawson and his family, and a meticulous overview of one of Texas’s most unsettling disappearances—with the hope that understanding and closure may yet come.