Charles Monroe Jr., known as C.W., vanished from his barn apartment on Edgewood Farm Lane in Purcellville, Virginia after a fire that began in the early hours of May 8, 2005. He was 34 and led a secluded, minimalist life on his family property, reportedly without a driver’s license, bank accounts, or credit cards, and kept cash at home. The last known contact was about 9:00 p.m. on May 7, and a few hours before the blaze he was seen sleeping in a chair inside the living quarters.

Investigators initially thought charred remains found in the barn were Monroe’s and funeral arrangements were made, but testing in October 2005 showed the remains were his three dogs, not human. Authorities say the fire’s cause was never determined and that it did not appear likely to have incinerated a human body. The disappearance remains unsolved and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is asking for any information that could explain what happened that night.

If anyone knew Monroe’s routines, movements, or saw anything around Edgewood Farm Lane on May 7–8, 2005, can you share what you know?