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Michael Gene Still was last seen on February 6.
The search for Michael Gene Still has been underway for 29 days, and his family is still without answers.
“Just the thought of not knowing, and just the hurt of wanting just to put him at rest…it's just a daily thing. You wake up in the middle of night, and that's on your mind,” said Still’s sister, Melissa Still Chavis.
Melissa last saw her brother on February 3 as he was leaving her Williston home for his apartment at Colony West Apartments on West Street in Barnwell. He was last seen at his home on February 6.
Three days after his disappearance, the Barnwell Police Department (BPD) conducted a welfare check at his residence. Officers arrived at an unlocked door at Still’s apartment with no one inside.
Many of his personal items such as medication, glasses, and jacket were in the apartment. His vehicle was parked in front of the building, leading officials to believe his disappearance may be on foot.
According to Melissa, his cellphone was out of data and minutes.
Still’s disappearance is currently being investigated by the Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), who has called in outside agencies to assist in the search, such as the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Dive Team, the SC Foothills Search & Rescue, and the S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
According to Melissa, the 23 acres around Colony West Apartments have been searched by BCSO investigators, deputies, and cadaver dogs. It has not been confirmed by law enforcement if Still is thought to be alive or dead.
“First, I want to know where and then I want to know how and why and justice,” said Melissa, who feels law enforcement is “doing everything they can.”
Still is 47 years old and six foot two inches. He kept to himself and lived a private life, according to Melissa.
According to BCSO Chief Darlene Cook, "We have followed all existing leads to no avail. We will continue to follow any leads that arise."
Throughout the past month, Still’s family has not only been grappling with his disappearance but sorting through numerous rumors that have been shared on social media. Members of the community have publicly shared their own conclusions about how, when, and why Still went missing.
According to Melissa and her family, these rumors cause them more harm than good when not rooted in fact. Some rumors are alleging a connection between Still and other cases currently being investigated by law enforcement, such as the death of 17-year-old Maylashia Hogg.
However, BCSO explained in a statement that there was no concrete evidence connecting Still’s disappearance to Hogg’s death.
“He's a human being just like everybody else,” said Melissa. “He meant something to somebody, and that was us…everybody matters.”
Melissa urges the community to speak up with any information they have pertaining to an active investigation– whether they think it’s substantial or not.
“If you’re scared to talk, tell me. I’m not scared,” said Melissa. “You've already made my life a living nightmare. You've taken my life from me.”
There is currently a $3,000 reward for any information leading to the discovery of Still. The reward money is donated by the Still-Chavis family and supporters in the community.
“People are steadily asking and wanting to give money to help,” said Melissa.
BCSO has also offered a $300 reward for any information.
Anyone with info pertaining to Still’s disappearance, or with information on an active case, can call BCSO at (803) 541-1078.
