On the morning of July 9, 2005, 71-year-old William Robert Rochelle, known as Bill, walked away from his home in the 300 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard in Raleigh and was never seen again. He was last seen wearing a brown shirt, black jeans, and black sneakers. Rochelle is described as an African American man, 5 feet 7 inches tall, about 160 pounds, with a frail build and thinning black hair. He left behind his wallet, watch, and a new suit he had bought for church

Rochelle lived with his mother his entire life and was remembered as a quiet man who listened more than he spoke. He had medical conditions, including seizures, and needed medication that he did not have with him when he disappeared, so his case is classified as an endangered missing. Police conducted multiple patrol and K-9 searches without finding significant leads; one theory considered was that he may have accepted a ride and left the area, but that has never been substantiated.

There is no evidence of foul play reported and no communication from Rochelle since he left. If anyone knew Bill, his routines, places he might have gone, or remembers seeing him on July 9, 2005, please share what might help move this cold case forward.