This is the first of a new series here on 1057news.com called “Cold Case Files.”

Today, I feature Paul Edward Cox, Jr. who has been missing in Cumberland County since last year. Cox was 62-years-old when he went for a walk from his daughter’s apartment building in Rockwood last June. He lived near the 3,000 block of Smith Mountain Road in Cumberland County at the time.

At the time of the report taken, Cox was described as a Caucasian male, disabled, standing 5’5”, weighing 135 pounds with brown hair and eyes.

The missing person document from the sheriff’s department I obtained states the actual report was taken October 26, 2020, some four months after Cox was last seen. The individual who reported Cox gone told officers he said if anything were to happen to him, “someone should look into (three individuals named here).” I will not disclose the names as this remains an active investigation. It was also believed someone close to Cox allegedly was spending his social security money and received access to the funds by way of one of the suspects named. The person reporting the disappearance to authorities believed “something bad happened to Paul or that he may be in danger.” The missing person report states evidence was collected including a blood swabs from spots on the floor. A book was also taken into evidence with what appears to be blood splattered on it.

Emily Cox spoke to me about the days leading up to her father’s disappearance.

“I’m not sure why it happened. The last couple times I seen and talked to my father, he was worried believing some close to him were going to harm him,” said Emily.

“I know for sure he is deceased. My father was my rock and my best friend. He was a devoted Christian man, and he did not deserve to leave this earth. I promise I will move Heaven and Earth until justice is served and we can locate his body, so he can rest peacefully with the Lord.”

Paul is described by many as a wonderful man who loved his children and grandchildren with everything he had. This is a note Cox wrote to his daughter back 2016, on a heart shaped paper towel:

If you have any information on the disappearance of Paul Edward Cox, Jr, contact Detective David Bowman at the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department at (931) 484-6176. Any information that can help solve this case will be appreciated and can be given anonymously.

Cox taken in 1990

A more recent picture of Cox