Timothy Lee Willoughby, a 24-year-old man, was last seen on June 6, 1978, in Clayton, Indiana. He and his girlfriend, 22-year-old Mary Ann Higginbotham, disappeared together that day. The couple had been living in a rural area of Clayton, and while their disappearance initially did not raise immediate alarm, it later became a tragic cold case. Almost a year later, on June 4, 1979, Mary Ann's body was discovered inside a 55-gallon drum in White Lick Creek near Mooresville.
She had been shot in the head execution-style. Timothy, however, was never found, though authorities believe he suffered the same fate.
The case took a darker turn when it was revealed that both Willoughby and Higginbotham may have been targeted to prevent them from informing the police about an auto theft ring. Investigators suspected that both were shot and their bodies sealed in steel drums. Although two men, Ronald Tomasik and James Kellam, were charged with their murders in 1983, the charges were later dropped due to a lack of evidence.
Timothy's body remains missing, and despite renewed efforts, including anonymous tips, no further progress has been made in locating him or resolving the case. Foul play is strongly suspected, and authorities continue to seek information that could lead to his recovery and the closure of the case.Last Seen: Jun 6, 1978
