It's so, so kind of you to be here pmerle, posting and brainstorming. Not everyone could do it in the same situation, but I love that you are taking a can-do, hands-on approach to finding out where Papaw is. Hugs to you and your family!
I have many questions, but here are a few...kind of scattered (sorry).
The police seem to think that the 'incident' happened between noon and 3-ish, as that is when a neighbor came home. But couldn't something have happened later when they were in the house? Or were they doing chores or kids playing outside after that?
I presume that they didn't own any dogs or other pets?
It has been said that Papaw was known to carry cash. Who was it known to? Just family? Broader? Did he pay using cash at Wal-Mart? Could someone have seen a large stack of bills or was it really that much in his wallet?
What is the orientation of the shed? i.e. were the large garage doors facing the road? was the regular door facing the back? Is it a dirt driveway to the shed?
Was Papaw's hat in the shed in its usual place?
How many classic cars were on the property?
Where is the mail picked up? Were they expecting any deliveries?
Regarding actions needing ID...would buying weapons be on this list? (Although it sounds like there were weapons on the property there for the taking.)
Sorry for so many questions! Don't feel compelled to answer them all.
The neighbor who came home at 3 says they were outside for the rest of the day doing yard work and such.
They do have pets, but none were missing or seemed to be otherwise bothered.
I'm honestly not sure who knows Papaw carries cash... It wouldn't have been a LOT of money in his wallet, just the amount he expected to spend that day (~$20) plus his regular emergency money. (My husband keeps cash in his wallet for emergencies also, but we use cards for most purchases) It definitely would NOT have been a large stack of bills. He paid with cash at Wal-Mart.
The shed is oriented with the garage doors facing the road, the man-door facing the house/back of the property. There's not a driveway to the shed, but there is a cleared path free of trees.
The hat was NOT in its place in the shed, no.
He has several classics on the property, all either in the shop (being worked on) or in the garage (finished).
The mail is picked up across the street - they were not expecting anything other than snail mail, nor did it appear that they received anything other than normal mail.
I did ask LE about weapons purchases. Have not heard back. Papaw owns SEVERAL weapons, none were missing.
No worries on the multiple questions! I am happy to answer what I can or am allowed in the hopes that it helps us find Papaw or at least find answers.
