James Edward Abell was 39 when he left his home in Aynor, South Carolina, on November 13, 1999, saying he was going to Myrtle Beach to collect unpaid debts for his car-selling business. He never returned and has not been seen or heard from by family since. That silence was described as out of character and prompted concern.

Abell is described as a Caucasian male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, about 150 pounds, with brown hair, blue eyes and distinctive moles under his left eye and on his right cheek. He was believed to be wearing a tan jacket, a yellow T-shirt, blue jeans and brown Hush Puppies shoes when he disappeared. His red 1991 Chevrolet Corvette was later found abandoned in Ohio, far from his home, but Abell himself was not located.

The Horry County Police Department investigated and received tips over the years suggesting he may have met a grim fate, but no resolution has been reached and the case remains open and active. If anyone knew James, saw his Corvette after November 13, 1999, or has information about his whereabouts, please come forward.