Darlene Chitwood

Case Information:

Darlene Chitwood was 53 years old when she vanished from Stearns, Kentucky, on June 18, 2022. The circumstances of her disappearance have remained a persistent mystery for the residents of McCreary County.

Darlene is a longtime resident of the Stearns area, a community known for its proximity to the rugged Daniel Boone National Forest. She was a familiar face to many local shop owners and neighbors who describe her as kind individual.

Case Details:

The investigation centers on a final confirmed sighting of Darlene walking along East Apple Tree Road during the afternoon hours. Security footage from a nearby property provided the last visual evidence of her location.

She was observed wearing a bright pink tank top, dark shorts, and white sneakers, appearing to be walking with purpose. Despite extensive searches of the surrounding forest and roadways, no physical items have ever been found.

Timeline of Events:

On June 18, 2022, Darlene was seen by neighbors near her residence before she began her walk. By late afternoon, the surveillance camera on East Apple Tree Road captured her final movements.

When she did not return home by nightfall, her family initiated a private search before contacting local authorities. The Sheriff’s Office officially entered her into the missing persons database the following day.

Investigation:

The McCreary County Sheriff’s Office has utilized K-9 teams and aerial surveillance to explore the dense terrain of McCreary County. Detectives have also coordinated with the Kentucky State Police to pursue leads across state lines.

Her case has been uploaded to NamUs, where forensic data and dental records are stored for national comparison. Investigators continue to seek that one critical piece of evidence that could lead to a breakthrough.

Community Response:

The people of Stearns have remained dedicated to Darlene’s cause, frequently organizing search parties and distributing flyers. Prayer vigils are held annually on the anniversary of her disappearance to offer support.

Digital advocacy groups on social media platforms have kept her story alive, reaching thousands of people beyond the Kentucky border. This ensures that Darlene’s name is never forgotten.

Family Statements:

Darlene’s family has spoken openly about the “limbo” they experience while waiting for news of her whereabouts. They describe the last few years as a period of immense emotional strain and unanswered questions.

They have made a direct plea to anyone who may have been in the vicinity of East Apple Tree Road that day to report even the smallest detail. For them, any information is a potential path toward bringing Darlene home.

Physical Appearance:

Darlene stands approximately 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs about 150 pounds, with hazel eyes and brown hair. She is a white female who was in good physical health at the time she vanished.

Her most identifiable feature during the disappearance was her pink tank top, which stood out in the surveillance footage. Her official profile on The Charley Project provides additional photos for public identification.

Current Status:

Darlene Chitwood remains an active missing person, and her case is classified as an open investigation. Law enforcement officials have not ruled out any possibilities regarding her disappearance.

Authorities believe that someone in the local area holds information that could resolve the case. They remain committed to following every lead until Darlene is located.

Contact Information:

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Darlene Chitwood, please contact the McCreary County Sheriff’s Office at 606-376-2322.

You may also contact the Kentucky State Police Post 11 at 606-878-6622. Your call can be kept confidential, and any detail could be life-changing for the investigation.

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