Echoes in the Pines: The Unsolved Disappearance of William Ryan Goodwin

A Quiet Community, a Vanishing Act

Nestled in the heart of Beauregard Parish, Ragley, Louisiana, is a small, tight-knit community where everyone knows their neighbors. It's a place where the unexpected rarely occurs, making the disappearance of 33-year-old William "Ryan" Goodwin on June 28, 2018, all the more unsettling. Known for his service in the U.S. Army, Ryan's sudden vanishing left family, friends, and authorities grasping for answers in a case that has since grown cold.

The Day He Disappeared

Ryan was last seen in the 5700 block of Topsy Bell Road in Ragley. Described as a white male, approximately 5'11" tall and weighing between 175 to 200 pounds, he had blond hair and green or hazel eyes. Distinctive tattoos marked his body: "GOODWIN" in Old English script on his upper right arm and a tribal band with the initials "RG" on his upper left arm. An oval-shaped scar on his lower back further distinguished him. At the time of his disappearance, Ryan was battling post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse issues, challenges that perhaps contributed to his vulnerability.

A Delayed Alarm

Curiously, Ryan's absence wasn't immediately reported. It wasn't until November 5, 2018, that the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff's Office began investigating his disappearance. The catalyst? A reported theft led deputies to discover that Ryan's family hadn't heard from him since June. This delay in reporting added a layer of complexity to the investigation, as crucial time had elapsed, potentially eroding vital leads.

Clues in a Shed

During the investigation, authorities uncovered some of Ryan's personal belongings in a shed located at 9271 Highway 190 East, several miles from where he was last seen. Items such as his wallet, debit card, and driver's license were found, suggesting he hadn't planned to be away for long. The discovery raised more questions than answers: Why were his belongings there? Had he sought refuge, or was foul play involved? ...Read More

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