Negrete was a freshman at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1999. He lived on the sixth floor of Dykstra Hall dormitory on campus, which is located near the intersection of Gayley Avenue and Strathmore Boulevard. Negrete had been playing a computer game with a friend for several hours. The game ended at approximately 4:00 a.m. on December 10, 1999 and he logged off of his computer at that time. Negrete's roommate awoke at 9:00 a.m. and discovered Negrete had disappeared. Authorities believe he left his room between 4:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. that day. All of Negrete's personal belongings, including his clothing, shoes, wallet and musical instruments, were left behind in his residence. He has never been heard from again.

Search dogs tracked Negrete's scent to Sunset Boulevard and Bellagio Street in Los Angeles, but no other evidence was located. Authorities released a sketch of a possible witness in Negrete's case in 2000. The unidentified Caucasian man was seen inside Dykstra Hall at 4:35 a.m. on December 10. Investigators do not know if the individual is connected to Negrete's case or if he did indeed witness anything, but they would like to question him. A sketch of the man is posted below this case summary. He is described as being approximately 35 years old in 1999 and 5'7 to 5'8 tall with a heavy build. The man was wearing a shiny gray jacket with a turquoise-colored design. The individual has yet to be identified.

Negrete did not have a vehicle at UCLA. He left behind his parents and two younger brothers. His family said they could not uncover any hidden secret he may have had at the time which would have lead to his disappearance. Authorities have few leads in Negrete's case.

The prominent psychic Sylvia Browne appeared on the Montel Williams Show and spoke about Negrete. She claimed she had a vision that Negrete was alive and living close to UCLA, possibly in the towns of Brentwood or Westwood. There is no proof to back up Browne's claims, however, and Negrete's mother has stated that she does not believe them.

Negrete is described as having a loud, sudden laugh; he says "Dupe" when he is pleased; he sings jazz songs to himself; he does not like bare feet; he recites trivia dealing with The Simpsons' television series; and he enjoys computer and video games. Negrete is also a skilled trumpet and steel drum player.

Negrete's case remains unsolved but police suspect foul play. There has been no activity on his bank account, credit cards, or Ralph's club card since before his disappearance. At the time he went missing, he was a good student and had a music scholarship. Authorities are investigating his disappearance as a homicide.

Above: Sketch of possible witness