Paul Stafford Nichols, 62, vanished on August 15, 2019 while driving his black 1997 Ford F-150 pickup and was last seen at Hilger’s gas station and convenience store off Interstate 49 North at the Highway 8 exit in Rapides Parish. He was headed home to the Cotile Lake area wearing a dark-colored shirt and blue jeans and never arrived; no one heard from him after that stop.

Nearly a month later his truck, Louisiana plate Y277458, was found bogged down in a wooded area near a cemetery in Vernon Parish, well off his expected route. After the vehicle was recovered, authorities announced they believe Nichols was the victim of a homicide, though his body has not been located. No suspects have been publicly identified or arrested and the investigation remains open.

What details might people who lived along his route or who saw him that day remember that could help clarify where he went after leaving the gas station?