The family of a missing USC student and the private investigator handling the case say surveillance images of a man on a Los Angeles bus might provide a break in the month-old case.
Derek Seehausen, a 26-year-old fourth-year medical student at USC, was last seen Aug. 6 in the Echo Park area, according to family members. He was wearing a black sweater, maroon shirt, plaid shorts and "colorful" shoes.
At a news conference Friday, family members showed surveillance images of a man they believe might be Seehausen. The pictures show a man on a Metro bus Sept. 5.
Seehausen had weekend plans with friends before his disappearance, family members said. A friend at Friday's news conference described Seehausen as "incredibly athletic" and a top member of the class.
"We love him and we want him back," said mother Jean Gadra. "He's left such a void in our family. It's an unimaginable nightmare for our family. We don't understand it."
Classmates at USC's Keck School of Medicine said they were stunned by his disappearance.
"It's bizarre. There's no way to explain it," said Gabriel Waterman. "Again, this is a person who is at the top of our class."
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Waterman said he spoke with Seehausen the day he went missing.
He told him he was excited to start a career in anesthesia.
"This couldn't be more shocking for me," Waterman said.
Friends have set up a website and a Facebook page called "Help Find Derek" and they hope the surveillance videos will lead to his return.
"I can't imagine him picking up and leaving," said Rachael Goldstein, his ex-girlfriend.
Anyone with information can call the LAPD at 213-484-3400.
