Raymond Paul Akins, known to family as Paul, was 33 when he disappeared after a New Year visit in early 2013. He is described as 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 6 inches, about 130 pounds, with brown hair, blue eyes and numerous tattoos including the word SHORTY and a cross on his upper arm; he may have had a goatee or been unshaven when last seen.

On January 1, 2013, he left his sister’s home to visit his girlfriend in Buena Vista, about 35 miles from Columbus. On January 7 the girlfriend’s stepfather said he drove Paul back to Columbus and dropped him near the entrance to the Elon subdivision by Shanta Court, near Miller Road and Milgen Road, but Paul never reached home and was not heard from again. He left his wallet and most belongings behind; the only missing item was his cell phone. The phone’s last-known communication was traced to Marion County, where the girlfriend lived, a detail that conflicts with the reported drop-off near his residence.

The Columbus Police Department has periodically re-broadcast the case. Does anyone who knew Paul or who was in Buena Vista or the Elon subdivision area in January 2013 have information that could help?