On November 25, 1997, a grim discovery was made near the eastbound entrance ramp of I-64 at Dunbar, West Virginia. The body of Cecil E. Dowell, a 46-year-old resident of Edmond in Fayette County, WV, was found after he had been reported missing three weeks earlier on November 5. His death, officially ruled as the result of being struck by a vehicle, remains an unsolved mystery that still troubles the community.
The investigation revealed that Dowell’s death likely occurred close to the date he was reported missing. The autopsy confirmed that he sustained fatal injuries from being hit by a vehicle. After extensive analysis, police identified the vehicle as a Glacier Blue Chrysler, possibly a model from 1984, 1985, or 1988. Additionally, vehicle debris at the scene suggested that it might have been a 1984 or 1985 Plymouth Voyager or Dodge Caravan. However, investigators noted that these parts could be linked to an earlier accident at the same location, complicating the case further.
It remains unclear how Cecil Dowell ended up in the area where he was struck. Given the rural location and time of year, it’s possible that Dowell was either walking along the roadside or had become stranded and was seeking help. One theory suggests that the driver may have hit Dowell unintentionally and, in the darkness, may not have realized they struck a person. Another possibility is that the driver knew but panicked and fled the scene to avoid facing charges.
There is also speculation that Dowell could have been trying to cross the interstate, though the reasons remain unknown. Perhaps he was disoriented or trying to reach a nearby destination. The absence of any witnesses and the late-hour timing of the incident have left investigators with limited leads.
Despite the passage of time, the West Virginia State Police remain determined to bring closure to this case. They continue to encourage anyone with information, even minor details, to come forward. It’s possible that someone in the community knows more than they realize, and every piece of information could be vital to solving the case.
Tips can be submitted anonymously through the WV Crime website (www.wvcrime.com) or by contacting the Winfield Detachment directly at 304-586-2000. Information can also be shared via fax at 304-586-0763.
As the investigation continues, the hope is that someone will come forward, helping to provide answers for Cecil Dowell’s family and finally bring an end to this long-standing mystery. The circumstances surrounding his tragic death remain unclear, but with the public’s help, this case could still be solved, giving Dowell the justice he deserves.
More Cases of Mysterious Disappearances and Unsolved Crimes
- Cecil E. Dowell (1997): Found deceased near an I-64 entrance ramp in Dunbar, WV, weeks after being reported missing. He was struck by a vehicle, and the driver remains unidentified.
- Deanna Crawford (1970): Last seen hitchhiking near St. Albans, WV. Her remains were discovered in a remote area, but her killer has never been found.
- Betty Gail Brown (1961): A college student strangled near the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Despite extensive investigation, the case remains unsolved.
- Cheryl Holland (1999): A teenager last seen in South Charleston, WV. Her body was found in a wooded area, and the cause of death was homicide. The case remains open.
Robert Kovak’s Disappearance: A Continuing Mystery
Robert Kovak, a 24-year-old student at Virginia Tech from Rivesville, Marion County, WV, went missing on September 17, 1998. His sudden disappearance left family and friends in turmoil, with no clear leads. In March 2016, a possible breakthrough occurred when human remains were discovered near New River Gorge, Fayette County. Authorities speculated that these remains might be linked to Kovak’s case, but uncertainty remains.
Could Robert have fallen victim to foul play, or was his disappearance due to an accident? The investigation continues, with the hope of finally bringing closure to his family.
Other Notable Unsolved Cases in West Virginia
- Karen Santillan Tate: Her body was discovered in Greenbrier State Forest in 2002 but remained unidentified until 2011. The mystery of her death still looms large.
- Cheryl Pauley: A 51-year-old from Boone County, WV, reported missing on October 2, 2006, was found dead a month later by a hunter. Despite the passage of time, her case remains unsolved.
- Gentry Belcher: A 70-year-old from Huntington, WV, was reported missing over a weekend. The details of his disappearance are still under investigation.
- Skeletal Remains in Raleigh County: Found in February 2015 along Upper Sandlick Road near Eccles, WV. Authorities suspect foul play.
As the Cold Justice team prepares to investigate in Bridgeport, WV, the community is reminded of the many unsolved cases that continue to haunt the region.
Reminder for Hunters: If you encounter human remains while in the woods, avoid disturbing the site, mark the location, and contact law enforcement immediately.