A Castaic family is seeking the public’s help in locating their beloved son and brother, who has been missing for over a year.

Justin Lederer, a 2011 graduate of West Ranch High School, has been missing since February of 2023, said his mother Holi in a phone interview with KHTS.

“Justin had a great sense of humor. He loved playing bass guitar and keyboards. He was a good artist, he loved drawing,” she said.

After Justin graduated high school, he fell into addiction and became another victim of the ongoing Fentanyl epidemic.

“He had been to rehab a couple times because he wanted to get sober, but struggled with it and ran into depression,” Holi said.

In February of 2023, Justin’s parents made the difficult decision to set a firm line in the sand with their son; they did not want drugs in the house.

“We were talking with him about drug use and drugs in the house, and it needed to stop, and we could not live with an addict in the house,” Holi said.

To his parents’ disappointment, Justin responded, “I’m always going to be an addict,” and left the home, his family said.

After Justin left, he stayed in contact with his friends, some of whom used drugs, and some who did not, Holi said.

To his loved ones’ concern, Justin eventually stopped contacting even his closest friends.

“He hasn’t reached out to any friends, even ones he used drugs with. They have reached out because they can’t get in touch with him,” his mother said. “The holidays have come and gone, and we haven’t heard from him, and we are just concerned something has happened to him. Every time human remains are recovered, I go crazy wanting to know who it is.”

A missing person’s report has been filed with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, however, Justin has not yet been located by deputies. 

Justin Lederer, 31, is described as a white male, 6’0”, approximately 175 lbs with balding blond curly hair and light blue eyes. He may have light-colored facial hair. He also has an alien tattoo on one forearm. 

He often wears a hat or beanie, and oversized t-shirts and/or hoodies. 

Justin is described by his mother as “soft-spoken and polite.”

Anyone who comes across Justin is encouraged to contact the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department at (661) 260-4000.

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