March 28, 2024

Case of missing Clarke County man remains open

It has been nearly five and one-half years since the Clarke County Sheriff’s Department received a call that Bill Douglas was missing. Despite countless hours searching the Douglas farm and the years of investigating the disappearance with the assistance of the Division of Criminal Investigation, the Clarke County man’s whereabouts remain a mystery.

The case returned to the forefront last month when a family member, a daughter, filed to become executor of the Douglas estate. It was a move, local officials say, that was made to protect Douglas’ assets.

Douglas disappeared in February 2004. He was last seen at this farm. During the days following his disappearance, county law enforcement and the DCI combed acres of his farm, located in northeast Clarke County. The search resulted in draining a pond and canvassing the area, and those efforts yielded few clues to Douglas’ whereabouts. After his disappearance, law enforcement became even more concerned when Douglas’ bank account had no activity.

In the past five years, Douglas family members have called outside psychics to assist in the investigation, and yet again nothing.

Clarke County Sheriff Bill Kerns said Tuesday the investigation remains open. Local law enforcement and the DCI have not forgotten Douglas or the case, said Kerns, adding they are always seeking information about the missing Clarke County man.