WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Winston-Salem police continue to search for a 55-year-old man who has been missing since late August, with investigators saying extensive searches have yet to determine his whereabouts.
Marcus Nathan Simpson was last heard from by family members on Aug. 26, according to the Winston-Salem Police Department. Investigators later determined Simpson’s silver 1998 Porsche Boxster was last seen in the Winston Lake Park area around 4 a.m. Aug. 27.
Simpson is described as a Black man who is approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 214 pounds. His family said he has very long dreadlocks, typically worn in a bun on the back of his head, and frequently wears a white do-rag. Police do not have a description of the clothing he was wearing when he disappeared.
Simpson’s Porsche Boxster has a black convertible top and North Carolina license plate JJX-5736. Detectives have not determined his direction of travel after the vehicle was seen near Winston Lake Park.
Family members requested a welfare check on Simpson on Sept. 3 after being unable to reach him. Officers did not locate him. His family formally reported him missing Sept. 5.
Police said officers searching Simpson’s residence that day found evidence that increased concerns for his well-being. Detectives with the department’s Criminal Investigations Division joined the investigation.
The search has focused heavily on Winston Lake Park and surrounding areas. About 30 Winston-Salem police officers and detectives conducted a grid search of wooded areas around the park and behind the Winston Lake YMCA.
Police also used dirt bikes and off-road vehicles to search trails, greenways and areas along Reidsville Road and New Walkertown Road. Drones were deployed on two occasions.
Winston Lake was searched Sept. 8 and Sept. 10 with assistance from several agencies. The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office deployed an underwater drone. Lewisville Fire Department and the High Point Fire Department Water Rescue Team used boats and sonar, while Winston-Salem firefighters deployed a submersible drone. Divers from High Point also responded.
Investigators canvassed nearby neighborhoods and businesses and reviewed surveillance footage from throughout the area.
Despite the searches, police said investigators have not developed information definitively establishing Simpson’s location. The department said its strongest investigative leads have been exhausted, but the case remains active and detectives continue pursuing additional leads.
“Our primary focus remains locating Mr. Simpson,” Winston-Salem Police Chief William H. Penn Jr. said. “We understand the stress and uncertainty families experience when a loved one’s whereabouts are unknown, and we remain committed to doing everything possible to bring Mr. Simpson home safely.”
Anyone with information about Simpson or his vehicle is asked to contact the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336-773-7700 or Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800.
