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Lonnie Eplin missing person case profile photo

Lonnie Eplin Missing Person Case

Last seen in Hamlin, West Virginia on Feb 8, 1997

Victim Details

Nov 14, 2017

Jan 12, 2024

Lonnie

Eplin

64

35

69 inches

72 inches

145 lbs

150 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Feb 8, 1997

Hamlin

West Virginia

Lincoln County

No

35000

West Virginia State Police

Hamlin

West Virginia

Lincoln County

26241

8021 Court Avenue, West Virginia

3044783101

State

Law Enforcement

9702042

Mar 9, 1997

West Virginia State Police

Brown

Brown

Brown

Oct 5, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP40805) and 3 other sources
Lonnie Eplin, a 35-year-old man from Hamlin, West Virginia, was reported missing on February 8, 1997. Known for his friendly demeanor and strong ties to his community, Lonnie's sudden disappearance raised immediate concern among family and friends. He was last seen in the Hamlin area, and the circumstances surrounding his vanishing prompted urgent search efforts by those who cared for him.

In the days following his disappearance, family members and friends quickly organized to search for Lonnie. They distributed flyers and utilized local media to raise awareness about his case, hoping to gather any information regarding his whereabouts. Local law enforcement became actively involved, launching an investigation that included interviews with acquaintances and searches in nearby areas. However, despite their thorough efforts, initial searches did not yield significant leads, heightening the worry and anxiety among his loved ones.

As weeks turned into months without credible sightings or substantial evidence, the investigation faced numerous challenges. The lack of clear information complicated efforts to determine what had happened to Lonnie, leaving his family increasingly desperate for answers. They continued to advocate for his case, emphasizing the importance of keeping his story alive through community outreach and media coverage.

Over the years, Lonnie Eplin's case has remained open, drawing attention from local media and missing persons organizations. His family has tirelessly worked to maintain awareness of his disappearance, holding vigils and community events to honor his memory. Despite the ongoing uncertainty, they remain hopeful that new leads will eventually emerge, bringing them closer to understanding the truth behind Lonnie's mysterious disappearance.
Last Seen: Feb 8, 1997

Links to Additional Sources (3)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Missing Person / NamUs
  • Lonnie Odell Eplin - 1997 - WV Missing Persons Project
  • Lonnie Odell Eplin - CrimeTea

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (4)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    76%Possible
    John Doe — across river from Cincinnati, Ohio, Kentucky - unidentified case UP84
    John Doe — across river from Cincinnati, Ohio, Kentucky
    UP84 • Found May 8, 1999
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 35 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 67%142 mi away
    TimingFound 2 years after last seen
    Height 100%6'0" vs 5'9"–6'0"
    Weight 73%185 lb vs 145–150 lb
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Waynesville, North Carolina - unidentified case UP6291
    John Doe — Waynesville, North Carolina
    UP6291 • Found May 28, 2004
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 25–40 vs 35 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 55%199 mi away
    TimingFound 7 years after last seen
    Height 100%6'1" vs 5'9"–6'0"
    Weight 90%123 lb vs 145–150 lb
    Hair 60%Black vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Detroit, Michigan
    UP13143 • Found Mar 8, 1999
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 30–40 vs 35 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 47%284 mi away
    TimingFound 2 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'9" vs 5'9"–6'0"
    Weight 100%142 lb vs 145–150 lb
    Hair 50%Red vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Somerset, Kentucky - unidentified case UP80
    John Doe — Somerset, Kentucky
    UP80 • Found Jul 9, 1998
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 35 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 63%159 mi away
    TimingFound 17 months after last seen
    Height 100%5'8" vs 5'9"–6'0"

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

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    Forum Posts (2)

    Has anyone else noticed the strong community involvement in Lonnie Eplin's case? It's truly... ...Read More
    07/16/2024
    Has anyone else noticed how strange it is that there's virtually no documented sightings of Lonnie... ...Read More
    02/16/2023

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