BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) – A cold case from Bedford County is back in the spotlight as investigators search for answers in the mysterious disappearance of Charles Smith, a father who went missing in 2018.
For investigators, cold cases don’t freeze in time—they simmer, waiting for the right clue to come to light. This is exactly what Bedford County investigators are hoping for in the case of Charles Smith, who vanished from the Body Camp area six years ago.
Despite several leads, there have been no arrests in connection with Smith’s disappearance.
Michelle Alderson, Corporal over investigations at the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, told WDBJ7 suspects were identified early in the case, but no concrete evidence has emerged to bring them to justice.
“We do have several suspects that we’ve been able to determine from the beginning of the case; however, nothing has come to light just yet,” said Alderson.
Smith’s truck was found parked at one of his sons’ homes, but Smith himself was nowhere to be found. His sons reported him missing, and since then, investigators have conducted multiple searches in hopes of finding clues.
“We did have people canvassing the area. We did do searching as part of the ground searches in the Body Camp area,” said Alderson.
Investigators have followed numerous tips over the years, including rumors that Smith’s remains might be buried somewhere in Bedford. They’ve conducted digs and brought in search dogs—three separate searches in total—but no trace of Smith has been discovered. Neighbors told investigators they last saw Smith days before he vanished, but no one recalled seeing him leave.
“The people that are involved are very tight-lipped. No one is speaking out against them,” said Alderson.
Investigators are urging anyone with information about Smith’s disappearance to come forward. Alderson believes the truth will eventually come out, and those involved should take responsibility sooner rather than later.
“Their best bet is to own up to their part, however small it may be. Because eventually, it’s going to come out, whether it’s in 20 years or 30 years, it’s going to come out,” said Alderson.
Authorities said they will continue to seek answers, determined to bring closure to Smith’s family and resolve this lingering mystery.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office.
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