Case Details
- Photo URLs:
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- Missing Since:
- Missing Since 01/27/1976
- Missing From:
- Missing From Bastrop, Texas
- Classification:
- Classification Endangered Missing
- Gender:
- Male
- Race:
- Race White
- Date of Birth:
- Age:
- Age 73 years old
- Height and Weight:
- Height and Weight 5’9 – 5’11, 130 – 140 pounds
- Clothing/Jewelry Description:
- Distinguishing Characteristics:
- Distinguishing Characteristics Caucasian male. White hair, brown eyes. John wears dentures.
- Details of Disappearance:
- John and Faye Whatley mysteriously vanished from their home near Bastrop, Texas, in late January 1976. Their family reported them missing after they skipped their granddaughter’s wedding.
Police found their house empty, with a single bullet hole in a window – fired from inside the house. Nothing else suggested a struggle or violence. Strangely, their bedroom door was gone, and there were scratches on the front door, possibly from moving the heavy bedroom door. Their car, belongings, and money were all still at the house.
Investigators believe the couple disappeared around January 27th or 28th. A newspaper from the 27th was open inside, but the 28th was still in the mailbox. Hunters reported seeing a blue or green van speeding towards, and then away from, the Whatley’s house on the night of the 27th.
John was a wealthy but private man, and the couple had no known enemies. Although serial killer Henry Lee Lucas confessed to their murder in 1984, his credibility is questionable as he confessed to many crimes he didn’t commit. Despite extensive searches, John and Faye have never been found, and their disappearance remains a mystery. Police suspect foul play.
- Agency:
- Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office 512-549-5100
- Source Links:
This person was missing Missing Since 01/27/1976