In the small, quiet town of Sharon, Connecticut, nestled in the Litchfield Hills, the autumn of 2004 was shattered by a crime that continues to haunt the community. Floyd W. Ellis, Jr., a 36-year-old male resident, was a familiar face to many. Those who knew him recall a man navigating his life in the rural corner of the state, unaware that his final days were approaching. His life was abruptly and violently cut short, leaving his family with unanswered questions and a case that has grown cold over two decades.
On the night of Monday, September 20, 2004, Floyd Ellis vanished. The specific circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear, but concern grew quickly. A missing person report was filed on September 21. The search ended in tragedy four days later, on September 24, when his body was discovered submerged in the cool, shallow waters of Webatuck Creek. The discovery confirmed the worst fears of his loved ones and sent a chill through the close-knit town.
An autopsy conducted by the Chief Medical Examiner's office left no doubt as to the nature of his death; it was officially ruled a homicide.
The investigation was immediately launched by the Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Unit. Detectives worked diligently, interviewing more than 100 people in connection with the case, trying to piece together a timeline of Floyd's last known movements and identify who was responsible for his death. Despite their extensive efforts, the case yielded no immediate arrests for the murder. The investigation pressed on, and years later, a significant step was taken in an attempt to break the silence surrounding the crime.
In 2009, the Litchfield State's Attorney successfully applied to convene an investigatory grand jury. Over the course of 22 sessions between July 2009 and October 2010, the grand jury heard testimony from 73 different witnesses and examined 88 exhibits, all in a concerted effort to uncover the identity of the person or persons responsible for Floyd Ellis's homicide. The intensive proceedings revealed a reluctance among some to come forward with the truth. While the grand jury did not result in a murder charge, it led to the arrests of multiple individuals on charges of perjury for allegedly lying during their testimony. However, these arrests did not bring investigators any closer to charging someone with the killing itself.
The years since have been marked by a painful quiet for the family and friends of Floyd Ellis. The initial shock has given way to a long and frustrating wait for justice. Authorities have consistently stated they believe people in the community hold the key to solving the case. They have urged witnesses who may have been reluctant to speak initially to reconsider, emphasizing that even the smallest detail could be the crucial piece of the puzzle that finally allows them to move forward.
As of August 2024, the murder of Floyd W. Ellis, Jr. remains an open and unsolved cold case. The file is still active with the Connecticut State Police, who continue to seek new leads and cooperation from the public. To encourage individuals to come forward, the State of Connecticut, at the request of the Litchfield State's Attorney, has authorized a reward of up to $50,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this crime.
Investigators are asking anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact the Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Unit at 860-824-2500. Callers can be assured that their information may be kept confidential. After two decades of uncertainty, a community and a grieving family are still waiting for the answers that will finally bring justice for Floyd Ellis.
