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Charlotte County residents are being asked by Virginia State Police to help them solve a regional cold case, one that dates back 14 years.

On May 16, 2009, a video camera showed Hattie Gertrude Brown at the Sheetz gas station just outside of South Boston. This was at 2:30 a.m. and she was with her nephew, driving the silver 2003 Volkswagen Jetta that she owned. That was the last time anyone saw Hattie Brown. Her car was discovered months later in July 2009. It had been burned and abandoned behind an old barn on a piece of property in the southeastern corner of Halifax County. 

The Virginia State Police, Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and South Boston Police Department released statements on Tuesday, May 16, marking the anniversary of Brown’s disappearance. In their statements, the three groups encouraged community members to come forward with any information they might have. 

“Despite multiple interviews and the collection of various evidence over the years, state police still needs the person (or persons) with information about Ms. Brown to come forward, and help bring peace and closure to her family,” Virginia State Police said in their statement. 

Brown is described as a Black female with brown eyes and black, shoulder-length hair. She is approximately 5 feet 4 inches in height and weighs 155 lbs. She was last seen wearing a sleeveless top with pants featuring side stripes. The investigation into her disappearance also indicates that she left her residence without her purse or critical medication. 

How can Charlotte County residents get involved?

Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of Brown is asked to contact the Virginia State Police Appomattox Division 424-352-3478. Virginia State Police can also be contacted by email at questions@vsp.virginia.gov. 

To contact the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office or South Boston Police Department with information on this case, please call (434) 476-3334.