Vanished in the Wires: The Unsolved Disappearance of Julie Weflen

A Trailblazer in a Man’s World

Julie Ann Weflen was not just any employee at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA); she was a trailblazer. As one of the few female power operators in the Pacific Northwest during the 1980s, Julie's role involved energizing and de-energizing power equipment, reading meters, and ensuring transformers remained operational. Her dedication and competence earned her the respect of her colleagues in a predominantly male field. Standing at 5'2" and weighing around 100 pounds, Julie was known for her strength, both physical and character-wise, and her unwavering commitment to her work.

The Day She Disappeared

On September 16, 1987, Julie left her home in Deer Park, Washington, to address a routine issue at the Spring Hill Substation near Riverside State Park. Despite a colleague suggesting the task could wait, Julie chose to handle it promptly. She signed into the substation at 2:30 p.m., and it's believed she completed her work by approximately 3:30 p.m. However, she never returned home. Later that evening, her BPA van was discovered with the driver's side door and back hatch open. Her hard hat, toolbox, water bottle, and sunglasses lay on the ground beside the vehicle, and her purse remained inside. The scene suggested a sudden and unexplained departure.

Clues Pointing to Foul Play

Investigators noted signs of a struggle at the scene. Drag marks in the gravel indicated Julie may have been forcibly removed from the area. Additionally, fresh tire tracks, not matching those of Julie's vehicle, were found nearby. These findings led authorities to believe that Julie was overpowered, possibly by more than one individual, and abducted from the substation. Despite extensive searches and investigations, no substantial leads emerged.

A Husband's Unyielding Search

Julie’s husband, Mike Weflen, was working approximately 50 miles away at the time of her disappearance and was quickly ruled out as a suspect. Devastated by the loss, Mike dedicated himself to finding his wife. He organized search parties, distributed thousands of missing person flyers, and even placed Julie's face on 75 billboards across the region. With contributions from family, friends, and the BPA, a reward fund totaling $80,000 was established. Despite these efforts, Julie's whereabouts remained unknown, and the reward money was eventually returned in 1990. ...Read More

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