FBI Offers $10,000 Reward in Search for Three Missing Individuals in Knoxville

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — FBI Offers Rewards in Ongoing Search for Three Missing Individuals

The Federal Bureau of Investigation in Knoxville is actively seeking information regarding the disappearance of three individuals who went missing in early 2018. In an effort to gather leads, the FBI has announced a $10,000 reward for any information that can help locate Brenda Carroll, Bonnie Drane, and William Inklebarger. The reward also applies to information leading to the identification, arrest, or conviction of anyone responsible for their disappearance or possible death.

Background on the Missing Individuals

The three missing persons were known to spend time together, lacked permanent residences, and shared a similar social circle. Notably, they were associated with Jeremy Jerome Hardison, a convicted murderer who is currently serving a life sentence in prison. Hardison has been identified as a person of interest in the cases of Drane, Inklebarger, and Carroll.

Knox County District Attorney Charme Allen publicly named Hardison as a person of interest in 2021. At that time, she encouraged witnesses to step forward with any information they might have, emphasizing that they should not fear repercussions for doing so.

Details on Each Missing Person

Bonnie Drane is described as being 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing around 140 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen at the University of Tennessee Medical Center on December 27, 2017, while visiting a family member. Drane was reported missing on January 10, 2018, after her vehicle—a 1998 silver Honda Accord—was discovered at an apartment complex on Bridalwood Drive on January 21.

William Inklebarger stands 6 feet tall and weighs approximately 150 pounds, with hazel eyes and black hair. He was last seen by his father on December 29, 2017, at a motel on Cherry Street. When his father checked on him again on January 5, 2018, he found Inklebarger had left a note and most of his belongings. He was reported missing on January 12, 2018.

Brenda Carroll is around 5 feet 1 inch tall, weighing in at about 140 pounds, with hazel eyes and blonde hair. She last communicated with her sister through Facebook Messenger on January 1, 2018, and was believed to be with Drane and Inklebarger at that time. Carroll was reported missing on March 19, 2018.

Efforts to Locate the Missing Trio

Since the beginning of the investigations, various agencies have been involved in the search for Drane, Inklebarger, and Carroll. The FBI noted that they have worked alongside the Knoxville Police Department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the University of Tennessee Anthropology Department, and the Roane County Search and Rescue Team, as well as the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, Rocky Top Police Department, and the FBI Evidence Response Team to find the missing individuals.

How to Help

Authorities urge anyone who might have information regarding the cases to come forward. Those with any leads or tips can contact the Knoxville Police Department at 865-215-7212, the FBI Knoxville Division at 865-544-0751, or East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165. All tips can be made anonymously, which aims to encourage more individuals to provide information that could be crucial in solving these cases.

The investigation remains ongoing, with hope that the public will provide the necessary information to give closure to the families involved in this troubling situation.