COLD CASES SERIES: Harold Roland

LUFKIN, Texas (TXAN 24) — Harold William “Bill” Roland was last seen in San Augustine County, Texas on 07-21-1997. Roland resided in Lufkin, Angelina County, but owned a lake house on Lake Sam Rayburn in San Augustine County.

Roland told a witness he planned to go fishing. Roland’s wife reported him missing on the following morning. Also missing were Roland’s pickup, pontoon boat, and boat trailer.

During the next three months, Roland’s pickup was found burned in a rural area of Angelina County (arson). Roland’s boat trailer was found abandoned in a National Forest in San Augustine County, and Roland’s pontoon boat was located hidden under willow trees on Lake Sam Rayburn.

Pontoons on the boat had been shot, possibly in an attempt to sink the craft. Extensive searches and interviews have not revealed the location of Roland. Investigators suspect Roland was killed.

Texas Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $3,000 to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of the person/persons responsible for this crime.