Earnest Edward Francis
Physical Description
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 190 pounds
Hair Color: Red
Eye Color: Blue
Tattoos:
A Grim Reaper in red and green with Indian feathers on his left shoulder
A scorpion on the inside of his lower right arm
"METALLICA" written across his right wrist
A spider skeleton tattooed on his upper back
Cartoon-style googly eyes on the left side of his chest
Distinguishing Marks:
A circular indented scar on his lower leg
Other:
Multiple body piercings
Earnest Edward Francis, known by friends and family as "Earnie," was last seen on May 4, 2011, in Sistersville, West Virginia. That afternoon, he left his mother's home with his three oldest children to attend an appointment. Later that evening, he called to ask his brother if he could borrow his car for work, and surveillance footage captured him stopping at a local gas station soon after. The last known account of Earnie came from his estranged wife, who said he planned to stop by a nearby hydroelectric dam to use the restroom. After that, he never made it to work and was never heard from again.
His father later found the car Earnie had been driving—a Geo Tracker—abandoned near the dam. Inside were his belongings: his wallet, cell phone, money, keys, belt, and even the medallion from his necklace. The car was locked, and there was no sign of Earnie nearby. At the time he disappeared, he was living with his mother, working construction, and working toward a degree in criminal justice through online courses. His loved ones have never believed he would simply walk away from his four children.
Today, Earnie's case remains unsolved. His family continues to hope for answers.
What You Can Do
If you have any information about the disappearance of Earnest Edward Francis, please contact the New Martinsville Police Department at (304) 455-9100.
Earnest is listed in the NamUs database under case number MP11021.
Even after all these years, Earnie is not forgotten. Every detail, no matter how small, could help bring much-needed answers.