Virginia Police Seek Help Locating 'Critically Missing Adult'

MARIE JOHNSON HORTONPhoto byAshland Virginia Police Department

ASHLAND, Va. – Virginia State Police (VSP) issued a “critically missing adult alert” on July 21, 2024. 

According to an emailed media statement from VSP Public Relations Manager Matthew Demlein, the Ashland Police Department is looking for Marie Johnson Horton. 

Horton’s last-known location was at Patrick GMC on Washington Highway in Ashton on July 20. She was seen at the auto dealership at 3 p.m., on foot. Unverified social media posts report she left her wallet and walking stick at the dealership.   

Horton, 80, is described as a white female, 5' 7" tall and 133 lbs. She has blue eyes, gray hair, a cancer survivor tattoo on her left arm, and a Tasmanian Devil tattoo on her right arm. The day she vanished, she was possibly wearing an orange t-shirt and blue jeans. 

According to the VSP statement, this disappearance poses a credible threat to Horton's health and safety, as determined by the investigating agency.  

Anyone with information about Horton’s whereabouts is urged to call the Ashland Police Department (available 24/7) at (804) 798-1227.

Ashland is a college town in Hanover County, approximately 16 miles north of Richmond.