KPD e-Press Release: K.P.D. Seeks New Information in 1995 Missing Person Case

Missing Person Information

Age when reported missing: 39 Years of Age

Age at present: 57 Years of Age

Kingsport, TN

165 lbs.

Approximately 9:00 PM

General Narrative

On August 13, 1995, James Daniel Butler was reported missing to the Kingsport Police Department by his girlfriend at the time. She stated that she had last seen Mr. Butler on August 7, 1995 at approximately 9:00 PM when he boarded a bus bound for Johnson City, TN in an effort to seek employment.

Around the time of his disappearance, Mr. Butler had often been seen panhandling in the vicinity of a former Wal-Mart location at 800 Stonegate Road in Kingsport, typically holding a sign that read “Will Work for Food.”

There was never any indication of foul play in Mr. Butler’s disappearance; however, according to friends and family, he normally stayed in contact regularly and had never disappeared for extended periods of time in the past.

Detectives have exhausted all leads in this case and are seeking any new information to help them revive the investigation into Mr. Butler’s disappearance.

Detectives are also requesting that any of Mr. Butler’s relatives contact them in reference to this case. They are particularly wishing to speak with Ms. Mary Lee Hicks, also known as Mary Lee Fletcher, who is the sister of Mr. Butler. Investigators have spoken with her in the past regarding the case, but have recently lost touch with her. She was last known to be living in the Nashville, TN area. K.P.D. wishes to emphasize that Mr. Butler’s sister is not a suspect in his disappearance, and they only with to speak with her as his next of kin.

James Daniel Butler was 39 years of age when he was reported missing, but would be 57 years of age today. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as being a white male, 5’5” tall, weighed 165 pounds, and had blue eyes and brown/partially graying hair. His last known address was 1000 Derwood Court, Apartment #2, in Kingsport.

The only available photo of Mr. Butler is included in this release. It was obviously taken prior to his disappearance 18 years ago, and does not necessarily reflect what he would look like today.

Any relatives of Mr. Butler, particularly Ms. Mary Lee Fletcher (a.k.a. Mary Lee Hicks), or any individuals who have any information regarding this missing person case are asked to contact the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429.

For additional information, please contact:

P.I.O. Thomas M. Patton

K.P.D. Community Relations & Crime Prevention Unit

423-229-9433

ThomasMPatton@KingsportTN.gov

K.P.D. Community Relations & Crime Prevention Unit