Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Bel Aire Police believe a man, missing since March, may be the victim of foul play.

Police held a news conference today Tuesday afternoon where they talked about the search for William Howell. The 82-year-old man was last seen leaving the Bel Aire Recreation Center on March 5th.

Police said Mr. Howell frequently hitchhiked from Bel Aire to northeast Wichita where he would take city buses to the downtown area. Police believe he may have been the victim of foul play because of the amount of time he's been missing.

Howell's son, Mark Howell, said they are holding out hope their loved one is alive and well somewhere out there. More than anything, he said, they would like closure.

Howell has grey hair and brown eyes. He's five feet eight inches tall and weighs 140 pounds. He was last seen wearing a tan jacket.

Howell's family and Crimestoppers of Wichita/Sedgwick County are offering rewards in Howell's case. You can call in information to 1-800-222-TIPS or call Bel Aire Police at (316) 744-6000.