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Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP9712) and 2 other sources
In the early summer of 1995, a sense of unease settled over the communities of Todd and Christian counties in Kentucky with the disappearance of 68-year-old William Carl Rigsby. Known affectionately as 'Bud' or 'Bill' to those who knew him, Rigsby was a familiar face in the area. His last confirmed sighting was on June 3, 1995, at Rogers Grocery on Greenville Road in Hopkinsville. This was also the last day a check was written from his bank account. At the time he went missing, he was described as a white male with gray hair and brown eyes, standing between 5'5' and 5'7' and weighing around 140 to 145 pounds. He had a beard and mustache and wore distinctive dark horn-rimmed eyeglasses that were held together with tape at the nose piece. A surgical scar was present on his upper left arm. When last seen, he was wearing a small, long-sleeved cotton shirt with the sleeves rolled up, size 28x30 blue jeans, and light brown leather boots. He also wore a silver ring set with a black onyx stone and a diamond chip, along with a watch.

The circumstances following his last appearance at the grocery store only deepened the mystery. Less than a week later, during the night of June 8th and the early morning of June 9th, 1995, his house tragically burned down. A thorough search of the scene revealed no sign of Rigsby, and he has not been seen or heard from since that time. The lack of any evidence suggesting he left on his own, combined with the fire at his home, created a disturbing and complex case for investigators. The Kentucky State Police were notified and opened an investigation, but specific details about the early days of the search have remained scarce.

For decades, the disappearance of William Rigsby has remained an open and unresolved case for the Kentucky State Police. Despite the passage of many years, his family has continued to seek answers. In an effort to generate new leads, DNA samples have been made available, and his dental and fingerprint records are on file for comparison. The overview of this case is one of profound and sudden mystery. A 68-year-old man, after a seemingly routine trip to a local grocery store, vanished completely. The subsequent fire at his residence added a layer of complexity that has puzzled law enforcement and left his loved ones without closure. With very few details available, the case of William 'Bud' Rigsby is a somber reminder of a life interrupted and a community still waiting for answers.

Last Seen: Jun 23, 1995

Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

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.

75%Possible
John Doe — Memphis, Tennessee
UP13955 • Found Jul 26, 1999
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 70–80 vs 68 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 56%197 mi away
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7" vs 5'5"–5'7"
Weight 88%117 lb vs 140–145 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray

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.