Tracy Lynn Butler, 56, vanished from Henrico, Virginia, in early spring 2022 after living with her husband Lester Carlton Epps Jr. at the Woodspring Suites on West Broad Street since the previous fall. Hotel staff last recalled seeing Tracy on or around March 1; a disturbance in the couple’s room prompted a front desk call that Lester answered, which staff said was unusual for him. When officers from Richmond and Henrico went to the hotel the day after Lester was shot dead on March 6, they found Tracy was not there and her disappearance was opened as a missing person case.

Investigators found troubling evidence at the hotel: surveillance footage reportedly shows Lester moving a large blanket-wrapped object on a luggage cart into a car, and blood was discovered in the room. Authorities believe Lester Epps may have been responsible for Tracy’s disappearance and probable death. Tracy is described as a white female, blonde hair, green eyes, 5 feet 2 inches, about 145 pounds, and sometimes wore glasses for reading or work.

Her family had been concerned about changes in her behavior after marrying Epps, saying she became withdrawn and under his control, and noted his violent criminal history. Despite searches, Tracy’s whereabouts remain unknown and the investigation is active.

If anyone knew Tracy, her routine, or saw anything at the Woodspring Suites in late February or early March 2022, please come forward with information.