Chad Howard Smith, a 38-year-old attorney, was last seen in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, on January 11, 2011, after a heated argument with his wife. The couple went to a Waffle House where Smith was involved in a minor parking-lot crash and left the scene, leaving his wife behind. She later called police to file an assault complaint and during a phone call told Smith she planned to press charges; he said his leg was injured and he could not put weight on it.

Smith left home without his wallet, identification, money, cell phone, or a coat — items he normally carried — and did not return. His car turned up on January 14 in downtown Louisville in the 100 block of South 7th Street near the Ohio River, several hospitals, and a Greyhound bus station; keys were on the center console and his cigarettes remained inside. At the time he was described as white, 6 feet 1 inch to 6 feet 2 inches, 135 to 190 pounds, with red or auburn hair, blue eyes, and likely wearing his black-framed glasses since he had left his contact lenses behind.

Smith had recently lost his job with the Bullitt County Attorney’s office and was reported to be struggling with depression. Authorities say they do not suspect foul play, but family and friends remain deeply concerned and the disappearance remains unsolved. If anyone has information about Chad Smith’s whereabouts or saw him between Shepherdsville and Louisville around January 11–14, 2011, please come forward.