Missing Person Alert

Circumstances

Date of Disappearance

March 5, 1957

Notes

William and Margaret Patterson owned the Patterson Photo Supply store in downtown El Paso while William had stakes in a luxury boat company. They also had property in Mexico along with a boat and a car (Cadillac). This made tracing their location after they disappeared difficult and shows they had enough money to be either a motive for foul play or an aid in a voluntary disappearance. They disappeared from their home sometime over the night of March 5 to morning March 6. A neighbor who visited them earlier that evening noticed that Margaret appeared upset and that her husband appeared annoyed that the neighbor was visiting. Their neighbors also said there was some odd noises and happenings at the home that evening. According to media, the last person to visit their home that night was Doyle D.G. Kirkland, William’s friend and the manager at Duffy’s Photo Supply Store. Kirkland was supposedly helping William do some maintenance on the Patterson’s boat. Nothing suggests they expected to be gone overnight or for any length of time. The home was messy with clothes on the bed and unwashed dishes, suggesting they weren’t prepared for a long trip. They also failed to make any arrangements for “Tommy” – Margaret’s beloved cat. They did not take their cars and there was no evidence of any duress or a fight in the home. At some point, acquaintances informed police that William and Margaret had announced intentions to take a long trip to Florida and that they later told the acquaintances that they planned to stay there. Acquaintances also informed police that William had mailed written directions (signed W.D. Patterson) to divide up his properties (commercial and personal) between Kirkland, an employee from the Patterson’s store, and their business auditor. This struck police as odd considering the Pattersons had living relatives who would normally inherit. They were eventually reported as missing on August 15, about five months after disappearing. Various sightings across the US and Mexico have never been confirmed. The case became increasing odd when (in 1984), a migrant worker came forward with information about what he found cleaning the Patterson’s home after they disappeared. The witness testified that he had discovered blood beneath and around the garage water heater and thought there was a piece of a human scalp close to the boat propeller. The witness discovered William’s jeans with a Rolex watch in the home and witnessed one of Patterson’s acquaintances taking bloody sheets out of the home. The witness did not come forwards at the time due to his undocumented status.

Location of the Disappearance or Crime Scene

Home

Potential Circumstances

Married or Dating Couple, With Others, Multiple Persons Abduction

Vehicle

License Plate

Photo of Vehicle

Suspect

Suspect Description

Photo of Suspect