Missing
Tony E. Epps Sr.
Epps, approximately 2007; Jeffrey Salas, approximately 2009
Date and time person was reported missing : 03/21/2007
Missing location (approx) :
Wichita, Kansas
Missing classification : Endangered Missing
Gender : Male
Ethnicity :
Black
Age at the time of disappearance: 36 years old
Height / Weight : 5'8, 315 pounds
Distinguishing characteristics, birthmarks, tattoos
: African-American male. Black hair, brown eyes.
Information on the case from local sources, may or may not be correct : Epps was last seen in Wichita, Kansas on March 21, 2007. He left to see a friend and never returned home. At the time of his disappearance, he drove a white 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe with a U-Haul bumper sticker, a tailgate, black rims, and large tires. He last used his cellular phone at 5:55 p.m. on the day he went missing. Epps has never been heard from again. On March 23, his vehicle turned up at the Greenmill Restaurant at Kellogg and Rock Road, with his cellular phone locked inside.
In July 2007, authorities charged Jeffrey Salas, also known as Jeffrey Hopper, with Epps's murder. Investigators stated Salas and Epps participated in criminal activity together and Salas killed him over an $18,000 drug debt. A small amount of Epps's blood was found in an SUV linked to Salas. A photo of him is posted with this case summary.
At his trial in the spring of 2009, Salas's defense argued there was no evidence Epps was deceased. He was acquitted of all charges in April 2009.
Epps left behind two young sons whom he saw daily. His family stated he did not use illicit drugs or drink alcohol. His body has never been found, but authorities suspect foul play in his case due to the circumstances involved.
Other information and links : ncy
Wichita Police Department
316-268-4181
September 2021 updates and sources
Someone is Missing
KSN
The Wichita Eagle
KWCH 12
Nebraska.tv
KAKE
Interactive Missing Person Search Map
