ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, Va. – Update:
The Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday evening that human remains had been recovered during a search operation into the disappearance of Dustin Butler in Rockbridge County.
According to officials, the search was conducted in the Sallings Mountain Road and Forge Road area of Rockbridge County.
The remains were discovered as part of an ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Dustin Cody Butler. According to officials, the remains have been transported for forensic examination by the office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family who are waiting for answers,” said Sheriff Tony McFaddin. “We are committed to conducting a thorough and respectful investigation and will continue to provide updates as soon as we are able to share verified information.”
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office at 540-463-7328.
Original:
The Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies were part of significant law enforcement presence Tuesday in the Sallings Mountain Road and Forge Road area, near Glasgow. This operation is part of an ongoing search related to the investigation of missing person Dustin Cody Butler, who was last seen in December 2022.
Sheriff Tony McFaddin expressed the department’s commitment to finding answers for Butler’s family. “Our hearts remain with Dustin’s family as we continue to seek answers. We are committed to following every lead and doing everything in our power to bring resolution to this case. We ask the community to come forward with any information—no matter how small it may seem,” he stated.
McFaddin told 10 News investigators were following up on tips from over the winter. They had to wait until the weather cleared to search the scene.
Investigators said Butler was wanted at the time of his disappearance, complicating the search.
“Did he abscond and take off and go to another state? Did he come out here and harm himself, or did somebody else harm so I mean, this investigation has not been just one road,” McFaddin said. “There’s been many roads that we’ve had to explore and go down and look and try to see where it takes us.”
The Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to assist in the investigation. Anyone with information that may aid the search is encouraged to contact Lieutenant Chris Young or Sheriff Tony McFaddin at 540-463-7328 or via email at rbso@rbsova.gov.
More information can also be found on the Rockbridge County website.
The community’s cooperation is vital as authorities work to provide answers and closure for Butler’s family and loved ones.
For previous coverage on this case, learn more here.