Stephen “Shane” Barton still missing after month-long search

A Thurston County man who was reported missing last March 9 still has not been found despite extensive efforts by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol.

 Stephen “Shane” Barton’s wife reported him missing from their home in Rochester last month, the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. He left the house without his phone, wallet, or car.

 Following the wife’s call, Sheriff’s deputies searched the house and the surrounding property but did not find signs of Barton. Washington State Patrol Aviation also flew over the house to look for heat signatures that may be associated with Barton, but to no avail.

 On March 11, the TCSO conducted a nine-hour search using 30 ground searchers, five search dogs, and other search and rescue assets, but remained unsuccessful, according to its social media release.

 On March 14, deputies returned to the address to search the house and the surrounding area. Dive team personnel also searched the ponds on the property. Nearly three weeks later, the TCSO held a seven-hour search, this time using six dogs capable of detecting human remains. Barton still has not been found.

 Barton’s wife has handed over her husband’s phone and other gadgets to deputies. She also permitted authorities to access her and her adult son’s phones. Search warrants were obtained for phone records and other related information.

 The wife voluntarily took a polygraph examination on April 10 that showed she was not being deceptive, the Sheriff’s Office said.

 Deputies have also interviewed neighbors, friends, and family from across western Washington State. Locations frequented by Barton were also checked.

 “Despite these efforts, Shane has not been located,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “It is unclear whether he left home on his own, or if foul play is a factor.”

 In a Facebook comment, Sheriff Derek Sanders said detectives “have been working around the clock to try and find answers for this case and needed time to process information.”

 Anyone with information about Shane was urged to contact authorities at detectives@co.thurston.wa.us or CrimeStoppers at 800-222-TIPS.