Up and Vanished Weekly: Episode Summary – "MURDERED: Mitrice Richardson"

Introduction

In the February 5, 2025 episode of Up and Vanished Weekly by Tenderfoot TV, hosts Payne Lindsay and Maggie Freeling delve into the perplexing case of Mitrice Richardson—a missing person whose disappearance and subsequent death have remained shrouded in mystery for over fifteen years. The episode meticulously unpacks the sequence of events, the handling by law enforcement, and the enduring quest for justice by Mitrice's family.

Case Overview

Mitrice Richardson's disappearance begins on the evening of September 16, 2009, at Joffrey's Malibu, an award-winning fine dining restaurant in Southern California. Her erratic behavior and interactions with both staff and patrons raised immediate concerns, culminating in her arrest by the California State Patrol. However, her release from custody under questionable circumstances set the stage for her unexplained disappearance and tragic death.

Timeline of Events

• Evening of September 16, 2009 (07:00 PM - 12:40 AM):

  • Mitrice arrives at Joffrey's Malibu, exhibits unusual behavior by engaging strangers in conversations about astrological signs and an impending trip to Hawaii.
  • At approximately 9:00 PM, after a bizarre interaction involving claims of being from Mars and offering sex in exchange for her bill, restaurant staff contact authorities.
  • Police officers arrive, conduct a field sobriety test, and arrest Mitrice for defrauding the establishment and possession of marijuana.
  • Mitrice's mother, Latice Dutton, contacts the police station, expressing concern over Mitrice's release.
  • Despite assurances, Mitrice is released from custody at 12:40 AM without her personal belongings, including her car.

• Early Morning of September 17, 2009:

  • The last confirmed sighting of Mitrice occurs around 6:30 AM in Montenido, six miles from the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station.
  • A phone call from Latice Dutton is made after no contact is established post-release, leading to a missing persons report.

• Morning Search and Discovery:

  • Park rangers discover Mitrice's remains in Malibu Canyon, leading to further scrutiny of the initial investigation.

Police Investigation

The handling of Mitrice's case by law enforcement has been a focal point of criticism. Key issues include:

• Erratic Behavior and Mental Health:

  • Mitrice exhibited signs of possible mental health struggles, yet the police categorized her behavior as "cogent" during the field sobriety test (03:45 - 05:00).
  • Payne Lindsay comments, “There is a layer of dismissiveness that could be because they are categorizing her as somebody whose behavior would be a little bit odd” (13:28).

• Communication Breakdown:

  • Multiple officers were involved without effective communication, leading to inconsistent reports about Mitrice's state and the decision to release her (18:10).
  • The impoundment of her car and personal items without adequate safeguards further complicated matters.

• Release from Custody:

  • Mitrice was released without her belongings, forcing her to navigate the unfamiliar area on foot, ultimately leading to her disappearance (22:04).

• Evidence Handling:

  • The police failed to preserve critical evidence, such as Mitrice's clothing and personal items, hindering the investigation (31:35).

Family's Perspective

Latice Dutton, Mitrice's mother, has been vocal about the inadequacies in the investigation and the police's handling of her daughter's case.

• Emotional Toll:

  • Latice expressed anguish over Mitrice's solitary death, stating, “What has been so difficult for me to live with is knowing that she died alone, without family around her” (61:31).

• Advocacy for Justice:

  • The family has actively sought reform in law enforcement practices, advocating for better handling of cases involving mental health crises.

• Legal Actions:

  • Following the discovery of Mitrice's remains, the family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Los Angeles County, resulting in a $900,000 settlement.
  • The California Attorney General later reopened the criminal investigation but found insufficient evidence for prosecution (43:37).

Theories and Speculations

Several theories have emerged regarding Mitrice's disappearance and death:

1. Mental Health Crisis:

   • Mitrice may have been experiencing a severe mental health episode, leading to her erratic behavior and vulnerability post-release (13:28).

2. Foul Play:

   • The disjointed separation of her remains suggests possible involvement of a third party. A person of interest, Richard Wayne Forsberg, admitted to picking her up on a motorcycle that night but was not thoroughly investigated (54:12).

3. Environmental Factors:

   • The possibility of Mitrice succumbing to the elements or an animal attack has been considered but lacks conclusive evidence (45:39).

4. Stranger Abduction:

   • Given the circumstances of her release in a remote area at night, abduction by a stranger remains a plausible theory.

Recent Developments

Despite the passage of time, new information continues to surface:

• Discovery of Remains:

  • In August 2010, park rangers found Mitrice's decomposed remains in Malibu Canyon, further intensifying scrutiny over the initial investigation's shortcomings (37:31).

• Video Evidence:

  • A family-obtained video revealed Deputy Ismael Rodriguez leaving the station shortly after Mitrice's release, contradicting official statements about deputy presence (49:50).

• Person of Interest:

  • Richard Wayne Forsberg, with a history of domestic violence and substance abuse, emerges as a significant suspect due to his admission of picking up Mitrice and possession of her missing underwear and socks (54:12 - 57:40).

Conclusion

Mitrice Richardson's case underscores the critical intersection of mental health and law enforcement practices. The mishandling of her arrest, release, and the subsequent investigation raises profound questions about systemic failures and the urgent need for reform. As Payne Lindsay aptly summarizes, “Had the situation been handled differently, this story may have had a different ending” (60:52). Mitrice's family continues to seek answers, striving to honor her memory and advocate for justice not only for her but for others who find themselves in similar vulnerable positions.

Notable Quotes

• Payne Lindsay: “There is a layer of dismissiveness that could be because they are categorizing her as somebody whose behavior would be a little bit odd” (13:28).

• Payne Lindsay: “This is somebody who very clearly needed help. This could have been a point in her life that she was really grateful for” (28:28).

• Latice Dutton: “What has been so difficult for me to live with is knowing that she died alone, without family around her” (61:31).

• Latice Dutton: “I just want everyone to remember how vibrant and beautiful Mitrice was” (62:14).

Further Information

For those seeking more details or wishing to contribute information, Mitrice Richardson's family has established the Instagram handle @justiceformitrice and encourages anyone with relevant information to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, homicide division at 323-890-5500. A $25,000 reward is being offered for tips leading to the resolution of Mitrice's case.

Closing Thoughts

Mitrice Richardson's tragic demise serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities individuals face when navigating mental health crises without adequate support. The gaps in the investigative process highlight the necessity for law enforcement to adopt more compassionate and effective protocols, ensuring that no other family endures a similar heartbreak.