Mystery surrounds disappearances in Mason County
07.23.11 - 12:14 am
Mason County Sheriff David Anthony confirms husband and wife William “Jeff” and Ashley (Baird) Crawford, as well as Ashley’s cousin Tonda (McCarty) Nelson, have been missing since around June 17 and remain missing persons. The Mason County Sheriff’s Office continues to follow up on several leads to solve the case with Anthony explaining there are “a lot of rumors floating around about the case but no factual evidence to prove where they are.” Deputy T. Powell is the lead investigator on the case.
Where they are remains the big question. What is known is the Crawford’s mobile home located on Jeffers Ridge in Southside, W.Va. was destroyed by what investigators called a “suspicious” fire in the early hours of June 17. A few days later family members reported the couple missing, Nelson was reported missing shortly afterwards — she was said to have been last seen with Ashley around June 16. Investigators state there’s been no cell phone or bank activity from any of the three individuals since they went missing. The Crawford’s vehicle, which was located by investigators reportedly in Mason County, has been impounded by the sheriff’s office.
Investigators are dealing with various scenarios, including: foul play being involved in the disappearances; the trio hiding out from some danger; or the trio starting a new life based on initial reports from family and friends who say the Crawfords expressed a desire to leave the area and move south, possibly to South Carolina or Alabama.
However, family and friends have obviously become concerned these plans to move were foiled because no one has heard from the Crawfords or Nelson since their disappearances. Jeff’s mother reportedly told the sheriff’s office her son had changed his mind about leaving which has only deepened the mystery as to the trio’s whereabouts.
In addition to the investigation being conducted by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, family members have also begun a grassroots campaign to assist in finding answers to the whereabouts of their loved ones, using flyers and Facebook.
The family of Nelson, 27, has flyers on Facebook which describe her as a “mother of three, 5’ 6” tall, 135 pounds, blond hair, blue eyes, last seen with Ashley.” The flyer asks those with information to contact Connie and Johnny McCarty, 304-675-1351.
The family of Jeff Crawford, whose 29th birthday was June 29, has been circulating a Facebook post asking that anyone with information on Jeff, Ashley (who is 26 years old) or Tonda can contact them anonymously with their information or tips at PO Box 73, Point Pleasant, WV, 25550.
Of course the Mason County Sheriff’s Office remains the lead, official investigative body in this case and personnel are also asking the public call them with information and/or leads at 304-675-0850.
© mydailyregister.com 2011
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