In the late morning of September 2, 2018, Donald 'Donnie' Raye Atkins II was last seen in West Monroe, Louisiana. The 35-year-old reportedly left his brother's home in the 2400 block of Jonesboro Road. He was dressed in nice clothing, described as if he were 'going to church,' but inexplicably left without his truck, wallet, keys, or phone. This marked the beginning of a troubling and complex case, as family and friends would never hear from him again.
Known to his loved ones as Donnie, he had recently been released from prison and seemed to be starting a new, positive chapter in his life. Atkins is described as a biracial male with black hair and hazel eyes, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 220 pounds. He has several distinguishing tattoos, including two bulldogs fighting on his left chest and praying hands on his right shoulder, as well as a circular, dark-colored birthmark on his right cheek.
The investigation into Donnie's disappearance soon pointed toward the possibility of foul play. His truck and wallet, which still contained cash, were discovered at a business in the nearby Bawcomville area. The case grew more complex as investigators received tips suggesting that Atkins had been buried on a property on May Road in West Monroe. In January 2019, law enforcement conducted a search of this property. During the search, cadaver dogs indicated the possible presence of human remains, but rising floodwaters unfortunately forced investigators to postpone their efforts. The search resumed in August of that same year, but no remains were located. Authorities then received new information suggesting that if Donnie's body had been at that location, it had since been moved.
In July 2020, a significant development occurred when five individuals were arrested in connection with Donnie's disappearance and presumed murder. Four of the suspects, Daniel Barrett, Thomas Davis, Joseph Hendricks, and Paige Williams, were charged with second-degree murder. A fifth individual, Linzi Phillips, was charged with accessory after the fact to second-degree murder. However, due to insufficient evidence, all five suspects were later released, and the case could not proceed to trial. The lack of a formal prosecution was a devastating blow to those seeking answers and justice for Donnie. Despite the arrests and the strong suspicion of foul play, the case remains an unresolved homicide investigation. To this day, Donald Atkins II has not been found, and his family continues to hope for answers in his mystifying disappearance. The Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office continues to hold the case, urging anyone with information to come forward.Last Seen: Sep 2, 2018
