The Unsolved Mystery of Mont Highley IV: A Chilling Cold Case from Shorter, Alabama

A Promising Life Cut Short

Born on December 19, 1969, in Columbus, Ohio, Mont F. Highley IV was the youngest of three children to Dr. Mont F. Highley III and Gail Highley. Raised in Montgomery, Alabama, Mont was known for his infectious smile and love for the outdoors. An alumnus of the University of Alabama and a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, he pursued a career in construction, which allowed him to travel extensively. Despite his journeys, Mont remained deeply connected to his family and friends in Montgomery.

The Fateful Thanksgiving Weekend

On November 27, 2003, Mont spent Thanksgiving with his family. The following day, he decided to head to the family's 290-acre hunting camp in Shorter, Alabama, a day earlier than planned. After a brief, friendly phone conversation, he left his parents' home between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m. He made a stop at Tiger Pride Mart & Liquor Store around 7:00 p.m. to purchase beer and attempted to invite a friend to join him, but the friend was unavailable. Phone records indicate his last call was made at 9:35 p.m.

The Mysterious Disappearance

Dr. Highley arrived at the hunting camp on the afternoon of November 29, 2003, as planned. He found the gate unlocked, the storage building open, and the lights and television on inside the mobile home. Mont was nowhere to be found, and his Chevrolet Tahoe was missing. Assuming his son had left to watch a football game with friends, Dr. Highley secured the property and returned home.

Disturbing Discoveries

The following day, November 30, 2003, the Highleys received a call from their neighbor, Philip Dale Segrest Sr., informing them that Mont's Tahoe was parked on the Segrest property, approximately 2.5 miles from the Highley camp. Inside the unlocked vehicle, they found Mont's wallet with $200 cash, his briefcase, and a hunting rifle; the keys were still in the ignition. Despite an extensive search of the area, there was no sign of Mont. Later, at the Highley camp, they discovered Mont's boots on the front porch and his wet pants in the bedroom, with his cell phone and an additional $100 in the pockets. ...Read More

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