Waverly Grayson Sharpe Jr, known to some as Wade, was 31 when he was last seen on August 19, 1997, in Goochland, Virginia. After a work gathering a coworker gave him a ride to his trailer; he was last observed walking toward the residence and never seen again. His family reports a responsible man who left high school his senior year to work, didn’t own a car, and relied on coworkers for rides.

Investigators found the trailer apparently undisturbed: no signs of forced entry or struggle. His wallet, lighter, and cigarettes were on the trailer steps, and a new puppy he had recently acquired remained at the home. Those details, plus the family’s account that he would normally tell them when he planned to be away, led both family and law enforcement to conclude foul play is likely. FBI analysts noted the person or persons responsible may have shown notable behavioral changes around that time.

The case remains open with the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office seeking information.