Ernest L. Vereen
Missing since October 10, 1984 from Garden City Beach, Horry County, South Carolina
Classification: Endangered Missing

Vital Statistics

• Age at Time of Disappearance: 72 years old
• Height and Weight at Time of Disappearance: 6'3"; 175 lbs.
• Distinguishing Characteristics: White male. White hair. Glasses.
• Dentals: Available
• Medical: Heart condition.

Circumstances of Disappearance
Mr. Vereen was last seen in the Gardent City Area on October 10, 1984. Vereen, a mobile home park owner, was kidnapped for ransom. His body was never found, despite several searches.

In January 1985, Alvin Owens, a Myrtle Beach handyman who had sometimes worked for Vereen, was found guilty of kidnapping and sentenced to life imprisonment.

In May 1986, Owens was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death, the first murder conviction in the state with the victim's body missing.
In November 1988, Owens' murder conviction was overturned because of an error by his attorneys. In February 1991, Owens was convicted of murder again. But this time, because of double jeopardy, he could only be sentenced to life in prison.

Investigators
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:

Horry county Police Department
Lieutenant Jamie DeBari
248-6241
448-4260

Agency Case Number: 101514184

NCIC Number: M-140438611
Please refer to this number when contacting any agency with information regarding this case.

Source Information:
Horry county Police Department
The Charlotte Observer
The State