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Mysterious letter triggers investigation of missing Elma man

ELMA, Wash. — An Elma man disappeared four months ago, and police later received an anonymous letter, which triggered an investigation.

According to the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office, Louis “Buck” Muller was last seen in October, but his wife never reported him missing.

Nearly two months after he vanished, police received a mysterious letter.

“Our agency received an anonymous letter saying we needed to look into the whereabouts of Mr. Muller,” said Steve Shumate of the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office.

According to detectives, Muller’s wife said Muller told her he was going to North Dakota, but his car was still at the house, he didn’t take his cellphone or his dog, and he has not accessed his bank accounts.

“We’re just very concerned,” said Shumate.

On Tuesday, detectives were inside Muller’s home looking for evidence in his disappearance but spent most of the time searching the backyard of the house.

“It’s obvious. They are looking for a body. It is exactly what they are looking for,” said neighbor Barbara Mayberry

Detectives seized business records Tuesday from a Montesano antique store owned by Muller and his wife.

Friends and relatives told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Richard Thompson that all the clues about his disappearance do not add up.

“Sounds to me like foul play,” said Muller’s friend, Randy Studer.

“I think he’s dead. I think somebody killed him,” said Muller’s cousin, LaRinn Ferrier.

Detectives told KIRO 7 they have not found anything significant in the search of the backyard.