Lou Allen Goettsch, 21, of Abilene, Texas, vanished on March 31, 1981, after driving his pickup to an apartment complex where he had paid a deposit and intended to move in. He had recently received a $3,000 workers’ compensation check after an oilfield injury; his truck was later found abandoned at the complex with his belongings still inside and more than $1,000 left untouched in his bank account. His disappearance was not reported until about two months later because he led a transient lifestyle.

In subsequent years one acquaintance, Roney Harper, confessed to murdering Goettsch in a drug-related dispute but later recanted. Searches failed to locate remains and investigators say there was insufficient evidence to bring charges. Foul play is strongly suspected, but no body has been found and no one has been held accountable. Does anyone with memories from Abilene in 1981 or information about Goettsch’s acquaintances have details that could help reopen leads?