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Personal Information

Photo
Surname
Dorsey
Given Name
Ruth Purcell Murphree
Alternative Name
Photo After Aging (Age Progression)
Status
Missing

Demographics

Date of Birth
July 21, 1905
Birthplace
Age
69
Age Group
60s
Age as of Today
117
Gender
Female
Hair Color
Brunette
Eye Color
Grey
Height (ft'in")
5'4
Height (cm)
163
Height Range
5'0" - 5'6"
Weight (lbs)
105
Weight (kg)
47.6
Weight Range in Pounds
100-110
Build
Ethnicity
Caucasian
Distinguishing Characteristics
Photo of Distinguishing Feature
Medical
Physical Abnormality
Tattoos
Tattoo Location
Tattoo Theme
Tattoo Subject
Scars & Other Marks
Piercings
Shoe Size
Nationality
Languages Spoken
English, French

Possessions

Clothing (Key Word)
Pants: Brown, Pants: Green, Pants: Jeans, Shirt: Floral, Shirt: Blouse, Skirt: Brown
Clothing (Full Description)
Flowered-print blouse, long brown skirt or pants or green jeans and a top
Possessions / Accessories
Photo of Clothing or Accessories

Location

Address
Route 1
City
Opelika
Province or State
Alabama
Country
United States
Postal Code
Latitude
32.6559
Longitude
-85.5523

Circumstances

Date of Disappearance
August 17, 1974
Notes
Dorsey was last seen on August 17, 1974 in Opelika, Alabama. She visited the Spring Villa Grocery between 16.30 and 17.00 and got gasoline for her car, a 1972 Ford Galaxy. Dorsey told the gas station attendant that a relative had called her and she was going to pick the person up. One of Dorsey's neighbors reported seeing her turn into her driveway at 18.00. She has not been seen since. She was reported missing after she failed to arrive at church the next day. When authorities went to Dorsey's home on Route 1 in Opelika, they found the front door open and a side door unlocked. Laundry was hanging on the outside clothesline, Dorsey's Bible and Sunday School teaching materials were laid out on the table, and her bed did not appear to have been slept in. Her three dogs were found in the bathroom. Dorsey's car was found in downtown Opelika near the First Baptist Church and in front of the home she had shared with her late husband. The keys were in the ignition and her eyeglasses and purse were on the front seat. Nothing appeared to be missing from the purse and it contained $11 in cash. There have been no withdrawals from Dorsey's account since she disappeared.
Location of the Disappearance or Crime Scene
Home, Vehicle
Potential Circumstances
Abandoned Vehicle, Alone, Driving, Visiting Friends or Family
Vehicle
1972 Ford Galaxy
License Plate
Photo of Vehicle
Suspect
Suspect Description
Photo of Suspect

Recovered Remains

Date of Recovery
Time of Death
Cause of Death
Description of Recovery
Recovery of Remains
Tested Against (No Match)

Further Details

In-Depth Case Overview:
Map of Key Locations
Relevant Media
See Also
Notice URL
www.namus.gov/MissingPersons/Case#/4796?nav
Poster(s)
Other Photos
Case File Photos

Contact Police

Contact Agency
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Contact Police (Email)
Contact Police (Phone)
(855) 835-5324
Contact Police (Local)
911
Contact Police (Website)
tips.fbi.gov/contact
Alternative Contact
Crime Stoppers: https://www.crimestoppersusa.org/programs/locate-a-program or try ICMP: icmp@icmp.intNCMEC: (800) 843-5678

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