Bollinger County authorities believe missing man is hiding

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- A Bollinger County man reported missing last week remains missing, but Sheriff Leo McElrath said he believes Matthew Wayne Willmirth, 24, is "playing possum."

"We got a couple of anonymous calls saying that he's been seen in Zalma," McElrath said. "He's hiding from us now."

McElrath said he has been in touch with Willmirth's family, who also believe that Willmirth is alive, but doesn't want to be found.

The search for him continues, the sheriff said, more now to be certain of Willmirth's well-being.

"He's not in any danger that we know of," McElrath said. "He's just playing possum."

McElrath said his deputies followed up on the locations anonymous callers led them to, but Willmirth was not to be found.

Willmirth was the subject of a manhunt last week, with deputies, firefighters, volunteers and search and rescue dogs scouring the area where he had last been seen. Now, "we're just waiting to see if he turns up," McElrath said.

Anyone with information should contact the Bollinger County Sheriff's Department at 573-238-2633.

Pertinent address:

Zalma, MO

Marble Hill, MO