Earl was reported missing by his wife. He is reported to have been depressed, possibly suicidal, and in possession of a 38 caliber pistol. Earl's wife has since become uncooperative in the investigation, maintaining that Earl is still alive and that she has seen him in Denver as recent as August of 2008. She stated that Earl moved to Australia, but this has been discounted. A silver 1989 Toyota pick-up truck owned by Earl's wife and driven by Earl was involved in an accident in Globe, Arizona. The driver, a fugitive from South Dakota, was arrested and questioned concerning the whereabouts of Earl and how he obtained access to the vehicle. The man invoked his rights and refused to cooperate. That man has since passed away.