Loved ones are searching for a missing Southern California man with autism.
David Esquivel, 24, was reported missing on March 4, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Esquivel, who is considered critically missing, was last seen walking on the 900 block of North Wilmington Boulevard in the Wilmington neighborhood.
He stands 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing an orange shirt, blue Christmas pajama pants and gray sandals.
David Esquivel, 24, was last seen in L.A.’s Wilmington neighborhood on March 4, 2026. (Los Angeles Police Department)
His family said Esquivel “has autism and the mental capacity of a 10-year-old.” It’s unclear where he may have been heading when he disappeared.
They have not heard from him since and are very concerned for his well-being.
A “critically missing person” is defined as:
A person who has no pattern of running away or disappearing
A person in critical need of medical attention
The victim of a crime or foul play
The victim of a kidnapping or parental abduction
A person who is mentally impaired to the extent that such person is unable to care for himself or herself or is an immediate danger to his or her own safety or the safety of others
Anyone who may know Esquivel’s whereabouts or has information on the case can call LAPD’s Harbor Area Watch Commander at 310-726-7700 or dial 911. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls can be directed to 1-877-527-3247.
Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
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