On a Wednesday evening in Lincolnton, North Carolina, 48-year-old William Merrick Carter, known to his friends and family as 'Chip,' was last seen on September 21, 2022. He was observed walking near his apartment on Mauney Drive, in the vicinity of North Aspen Street. Carter is a Black male, standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing around 150 pounds, with short black hair, a short beard, and brown eyes. A distinctive tattoo of 'Chip Mellow' is on his right upper arm. His family has noted that while he had disappeared before, he had never been out of contact for such an extended period, especially not with his girlfriend. Concern for his well-being was heightened because Carter has a disability and requires medication.
The circumstances surrounding Carter's disappearance are troubling to his loved ones. He reportedly left his apartment after an argument with his girlfriend.
Carter did not have a car, a cell phone, or a bank account, which has made tracking his movements incredibly difficult for investigators. His brother, Eddie Sumlin, was so concerned that he moved from Charlotte to Lincolnton to be closer to the search and to be there in the event Carter returned home. The family's worry grew with each passing day that brought no word from him. Friends also expressed their deep concern, with one hoping that he might be disoriented somewhere and unable to find his way back.
The Lincolnton Police Department has been investigating Carter's disappearance, with Sergeant William Siebenhaar publicly stating their concern for his safety. Authorities have conducted extensive searches in the areas Carter was known to frequent. A significant search operation took place in the week following his disappearance, utilizing a drone and ground teams to comb through dense woods and a nearby creek, but these efforts yielded no clues. Investigators have also reviewed hours of surveillance footage from his apartment complex and searched his home multiple times, finding no evidence of foul play. Despite these exhaustive efforts, the case has grown cold, with a lack of new leads or information on his possible whereabouts. The disappearance of William 'Chip' Carter remains an open and distressing mystery for his family, friends, and the Lincolnton community, who continue to hope for answers and his safe return.Last Seen: Sep 21, 2022
