Missing Since: 2002-04-28 Location: Bristol, Tennessee
Matney was last seen in Bristol, Tennessee on April 28, 2002. He was outside Confetti’s Sports Bar in the 3200 block of West State Street. The establishment is off of Exit 74-B along Interstate 81. Witnesses told authorities that Matney made a call from the bar’s pay phone, then sat inside his 1991 Ford Ranger truck in the parking lot, talking to an unidentified person in another truck. He has never been heard from again. Matney’s truck was discovered abandoned in the bar’s parking lot five days after his disappearance. His checkbook was sitting on the dash, but there was no other evidence at the scene. There has not been any activity on Matney’s bank account since April 2002. He is known to have made eight telephone calls on his calling card around the time of his disappearance, but most of the numbers he called have been lost. In March 2025, Christopher James Havrilla was indicted for first-degree murder and first-degree murder in perpetration of kidnapping in Matney’s case. He was arrested in Alabama and extradited to Tennessee. A photo of Havrilla is posted with this case summary. He is awaiting trial in Matney’s case. Authorities believe other people from the Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia area may have additional information about Matney’s case. His remains have not been located, but foul play is suspected due to the circumstances involved. Investigating Agency Bristol Police Department 423-764-TIPS Source Information NamUs The Bristol Herald Courier TriCities WCYB 5 The TBI Newsroom Updated 2 times since October 12, 2004. Last updated April 16, 2025; details of disappearance updated.