More than 35 years have passed since investigators first learned about the disappearance of a man in central Kansas. It’s believed that he was killed.
Eugene “Bud” Branton, Jr., was last seen on Aug. 6, 1984, in Hutchinson. He was at his home that night, and was reported missing by his supervisor at the Far-Mar-Co elevator, when he did not show up for work the next day.
In June 1985, a jury convicted Leslie Walker off multiple crimes, including murder, kidnapping, robbery and conspiracy into the disappearance of Branton. According to a court record, Walker worked with Branton, and knew he carried a lot of money on him. Walker planned to rob and murder Branton, a man told the Reno County attorney at the time. The man admitted that he and Walker shot Branton, but his body was never found, as documented in a June 1985 Hutchinson News report.
There have been searches for Branton’s remains years later, like in November 2002. Walker provided a location in El Dorado, but investigators found animal bones.
Walker is serving two life sentences.
EUGENE BRANTON, JR.
Missing from: Hutchinson, Kan.
Missing since: Aug. 6, 1984
Age then: 36
Height: 6’0’’
Weight: 220 pounds
Hair: Brown (receding hairline)
Eyes: Brown
Nickname: Bud
If you have information that could help the case, contact the Reno County Sheriff’s Office at (620) 694-2735;or the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (785) 296-4017 or anonymously online by clicking here.
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