[UPDATE: Sunday] 73-Year-Old Man Missing in Trinity County

William “Bill” Lee Elliott

Suzanne Carpenter last saw her 73-year-old father,  William “Bill” Lee Elliott, on August 3.

“He moved here in March from Idaho,” she told us, but he recently was evicted from where he was staying. “I know he was super sad.”

Suzanne and her sister each received letter from him and one envelope at least  was stamped August 5. According to Suzanne, her sister who had his bank card was told in the letter to withdraw $500 per day until the account was empty. Suzzane says she was given information on the keys to his trailer.

When she and her husband drove to Lewiston on August 11, they saw his vehicle “just off of Trinity Dam Blvd. on a dirt turn off.”

William “Bill” Lee Elliott

They reported her dad missing. Inside the vehicle, she said they found his phone.  She said that law enforcement was able to access the phone.

“When they opened his phone, he took a few selfies with glasses on and with glasses off,” she explained which was unusual for him to do. And, on the phone, there was some worrisome indications. “He researched how to make a noose,” she said. Still, though the signs are worrisome, she has some hope. He had some Weaverville acquaintances, she believes that might have picked him up if his vehicle broke. In fact, she said, “He had an appointment on the 16th to have his car repaired in Weaverville.” His wallet is also missing.

Although, Trinity County Sheriff’s deputies have been searching for him–“They have been looking all over; they can not find anything”—Suzanne is worried that her father’s case will be lost in the concern over Daniel Komins, a hiker missing in the Alps. “They are doing most of their hunting for the lost hiker,” she said.

According to Suzanne, her father is approximately 5’10” and about 220-230 lbs. He has grey hair with receding hairline, wears glasses, smokes, 73 years old. “The last time I saw him he had shaved his goatee off so he only has a mustache,” she said.

“Please help us find him,” she pleaded. “He has three children and three grandchildren who miss him and are desperate to find him!…We love him.”

If you know anything at all please contact the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office at (530) 623-2611 and ask for Sergeant Detective Josh Ford.

UPDATE: Sunday: Press release from the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office:

On August 11, 2019, family members of William Elliott contacted the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office and advised that Elliott had not been seen or heard from since August 5, 2019.

Elliott had moved to the Lewiston area several months prior, although he no longer had a permanent residence in the area.

Elliott’s vehicle was located on August 11, 2019, parked on the shoulder of Trinity Dam Boulevard near State Route 299. The vehicle had been unoccupied and in good condition. Witness contacts showed that the vehicle had been in its found location, since August 5, 2019.

A search of the vehicle was conducted, but provided little information pertaining to William’s potential whereabouts. Several ground searches of the area near the vehicle were also conducted, and have thus far led to no new information.

There is no current information to suggest that William has been the victim of any crime. The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office is reaching out to the public; if anyone has had recent contact with and/or seen William, please contact Detective Sergeant Josh Ford at 530-623-8106 or by e-mail at [email protected].

UPDATE: Remains of Man Missing in Trinity County Likely Located