Richard left his residence on Dawn Drive in Soldotna at 1400 hours on 11/16/2018 after an argument with family members. A friend saw him walking and gave him a ride to Fred Meyers. Surveillance video footage shows Richard entering the store next to the garden center at approximately 1414 hours. At approximately 1434 hours, Richard is seen exiting the main entrance of the store carrying a large brown paper bag. He has not been seen or heard from since. (Information retrieved from NamUs.gov)

On May 22, 2023, Soldotna Police responded to a report of human remains located approximately 200 yards southeast of 43199 Sterling Highway along the Soldotna Creek floodplain. The remains and personal items of the deceased were collected from the scene; preliminary observations do not indicate signs of foul play, but further investigation is necessary according to Soldotna Police. The deceased was identified as Richard Butts by the personal property found near the remains. (Information retrieved from the Soldotna Police Department)