Williams County Sheriff's Department Reopens Missing Person Case

In order to find José Christopher Lee, also known as "Joe," who was first reported missing on June 2, 2013, the Williams County Sheriff's Office detectives are hoping that technological advancements and an increase in the number of information-sharing platforms will help them uncover fresh information.

On June 1, 2013, Joe borrowed a car from a friend in Williston, and he was supposed to give it back on June 2. On June 3, 2013, the car was discovered abandoned on County Road 6 close to the Epping-Springbrook Dam. The car's inside included Joe's cellphone. Items that are believed to have belonged to Joe were discovered south of the highway, close to Stony Creek. The area was checked thoroughly by law enforcement, who also used cadaver dogs, an airplane, sonar, and rescue divers.

Here’s what we know:

His birth date is October 23, 1968.
He is approximately 5’9” and 210 pounds with hazel eyes and black hair. He has tattoos on the back of his left shoulder and on both arms.
When Joe borrowed the vehicle, he was with an individual known as “Skeeter,” who was wearing a cowboy hat.
At the time of his disappearance, he did not have a permanent residence and was employed as a cook at Big Willie’s.
He has ties to family and friends in Arizona and Tennessee.

The public is asked to contact Sergeant Detective Caleb Fry at 701-577-7700 with any information about Joe, whether it is about his past or his whereabouts today. Anonymous tips can be sent by texting NDWILLIAMS to 847411.