Flagler County detectives say new information in the 1997 disappearance of a Bunnell man has caused them to reopen the case.
Robert Picard, 37, was reported missing Sept. 30, 1997. At the time, he was living in a rented mobile home on West County Road 2006 in the Mondex area of the city.
"We know that there's someone on the west side of this county that knows where Mr. Picard is and knows what happened to him," said Cpl. Nate Koep of the Sheriff’s Office Persons Crimes Unit.
Koep is fairly certain Picard was killed and his death could have something to do with the marijuana he was growing inside the home.
But not knowing bothers him and Picard's family, who stays in contact with the sheriff's office.
"They call us once a year, asking for updates. So I'd really like for them to know where he is and have a proper funeral and arrangements," Koep said.
Many residents in the area keep to themselves and a few have told detectives they've felt intimidated to remain silent. However, that doesn't mean detectives have not received any information.
"We've gotten two phone calls in the past eight months trying to tell us what happened," Koep said. "People are scared to say something. If that person wants to call us back, please call us back. You can remain anonymous and just help us with this case.
Koep said despite the years this case has gone unsolved, investigators vow to stay on it, even if it takes 17 more to make sure it's solved.
If you have any information on Picard's disappearance, call Detective Mark Moy at (386) 586-4899 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at (888) 277-8477.