MONROE COUNTY, Tenn. — Authorities in Monroe County are restarting the search for a man's remains after only his skull was found three years after he was reported missing.
In October 2019, Luke Michael Butler was reported missing after going on a walk with a friend. Around three years later, a hunter found his skill in a rural, wooded area of Monroe County. A femur was also at the location, but it was not originally matched to Butler.
"It's a pain that cannot be explained," said Harmony Garcia, who is related to Butler. "We love you, Michael, and happy birthday."
He was better known as "Gator" to friends and family. For the last four years, his family has had an empty seat at home and have celebrated fewer birthdays.
"He loved nature, and he loved God, and he loved his kids," said Garcia. "Michael deserves justice. There's somebody that knows something."
Questions are lingering about what happened to him, and are weighing on his family. They said they are searching for answers after only his skull was found without the rest of his remains.
"That was the day we knew he wasn't walking back in the door. No, like, that was the day we knew he wasn't coming back," said Garcia.
On Wednesday, he would have turned 41 years old. And as his birthday passes, his family said they are hoping for justice.
"I was raised, I took care of my brothers and I protected them," said Garcia.
According to MCSO, the area where Butler's skull was initially found has been cleared of many trees and foliage, making a returning search easier. Multiple agencies have since joined the search that began again on March 16.
MCSO asked anyone with information related to his disappearance to contact Detective Dalton Rhinehart with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at (423) 442-3911.