BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Six months after Jody Pauley vanished from East Main Street, Martin County Sheriff John Kirk says he suspects foul play in the disappearance. The case has left investigators with no leads and a family desperate for answers.

Pauley, 59, of Inez, was last seen March 4 near 728 East Main Street, possibly walking toward Coldwater Road. He is described as 6-foot-1, about 200 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair.

Kirk said his office opened an investigation April 23 after Pauley’s family filed a missing person report. Deputies pursued all available leads, including an aerial drone search conducted with assistance from Martin County 911 and Emergency Management. Despite those efforts, Kirk said authorities have turned up nothing.

“The circumstances surrounding his disappearance raise troubling questions,” Kirk said. “I suspect foul play. I believe some people know something but they aren’t saying anything. Someone said Jody had about $800 on him the day he disappeared.”

The sheriff noted that Pauley was also expecting checks in the mail at the time, another detail that fuels concern.

For Kirk, however, the toll on those still waiting for answers weighs heavily. “I hate it for the family,” he said. “I would like to get them some closure.”

Anyone with information is urged to call the Martin County Sheriff’s Office at 606-298-2828, Martin County 911 or their local law enforcement agency. Kirk emphasized that even the smallest detail could help investigators and bring Pauley’s family closer to the closure they have been waiting for.

The case remains open.