Missing man’s friends, family in limbo as escapee returns to Carter County

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) — After two weeks on the run, escaped Carter County inmate Billy Fletcher is back at the Carter County Detention Center and is being held on a $1 million bond . However, law enforcement has yet to provide any updates on missing man Victor Birchfield, who Carter County investigators believe crossed paths with Fletcher after his escape.

Fletcher allegedly walked off a work detail at the detention center on June 20 and was arrested in South Carolina on July 4.

Birchfield’s friends and colleagues from the Elizabethton aviation community told News Channel 11 they’re still trying to make sense of the events since Birchfield was reported missing on June 21.

“We’ve been so focused on finding Victor, I hadn’t had time to think about not having him around,” said Dean Davison. “I’m sure it will be obviously a lot of sadness but some anger as well. “

Davison was one of the first to get involved with the search for Birchfield. He said he’s spent hours driving, handing out leaflets, and even searching the Doe River on rafts, but he’s beginning to transition from searching to grieving.

Carter County Sherriff’s Office deputies confirmed over the weekend they recovered human remains during a search in Butler. Though he’s waiting on official confirmation, Davison believes they are Birchfield’s remains.

“To pick up his shop vac and move it over there, to look at that table,” Davison said, standing in the hangar where Birchfield had worked on his planes. “It’s starting to sort of set in. I think if things are confirmed, that’s when it will really set in.”

Steve Lewis occupies the neighboring hangar and also worked with Birchfield, who he described as a fountain of aviation knowledge.

Lewis said he is not surprised that Fletcher was caught, but his thoughts are still focused on his missing friend.

“You’re concerned about Victor and his family, and you hope Fletcher gets what he deserves,” Lewis told News Channel 11.

Davison and Birchfield’s daughter, Tiffany Cole, have organized a prayer vigil for Tuesday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Medical Care parking lot in Elizabethton.

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