Left and Right: David circa, 1986
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: July 11, 1986
Missing From: Owensboro, Daviess County, Kentucky
Classification: Endangered Missing
Date Of Birth: December 18, 1967
Age: 18 years old
Height and Weight: 5’8″ and 130 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian Male, Blonde hair, Brown eyes, David has a burn scar on his right arm and a tattoo of his initials “DB” on the same arm, David’s hair was shoulder length at the time of his disappearance and he was addressed by and used his middle name “DeWayne”
Clothing/Jewelry Description: A t-shirt, jeans, and a pair of sneakers
Details of Disappearance
David or more commonly known as “DeWayne” was last seen in Owensboro, Kentucky on July 11th 1986. His family and friends became alarmed when his blue bicycle was found abandoned. His bicycle was found either in an alley near his family’s home in the 500 block of East 20th street or at the home itself. His family stated that DeWayne took good care of his bike and would not have left it alone like he did.
DeWayne has never been seen or heard from again. Investigators believe his case is linked to the disappearance of Shannon Green who vanished 5 days before DeWayne did in Owensboro. The two had known each other and were at a friends home together the day before Shannon went missing. Investigators believe that DeWayne might have had vital information regarding Shannon’s disappearance.
Investigators have long suspected that convicted murderer and sexually offender, John Reneer, was involved in Shannon and DeWayne’s disappearances. He was a former friend of DeWayne’s family. He claimed that he was innocent of any wrongdoing in Shannon or DeWaynes case. He claimed that DeWayne implicated himself and his own father, David, in Shannon’s disappearance. He confessed to strangling her when she went missing.
Reneer states he has tape recorded the confession and gave it to police. The tape and any of its record remained undiscovered until 2005. Reneer stated he wanted to kill DeWayne and his father after hearing of their involvement in the case but never had the chance to do so. Reneer has passed a polygraph in relation to his role in Shannon and DeWayne’s disappearance.
DeWayne’s father maintains his innocence in Shannon’s case. He also stated he did not believe his son was involved in it either. He believes that Reneer was responsible for her disappearance and that DeWayne found out about it and was killed so he wouldn’t tell police. Investigators still believe that Reneer was involved in Shannon’s case despite the taped confessions. It should also be noted that David has given inconsistencies in his story of events leading up to the disappearance of his son.
David has not been charged with his sons case or Shannon’s. Investigators have also considered that Shannon and DeWayne’s case might be linked to the Owensboro abduction and murder of a 23 year old woman who disappeared from the area on June 17th 1986. Her body was discovered near a boat ramp on October 2nd 1986.
No connection to that case has been proven and all cases remain unsolved.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Owensboro Police Department 270-687-8888
Source Information