January 13, 2006

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- The Knoxville Police Department announced Friday a reward is being offered in the investigation of missing hair stylist Byron Barker. 

Police Chief Sterling Owen says Barker's family is offering the reward.

Family members notified police in May 2005 that he hadn't been seen or heard from in more than two weeks.

As the investigation began, Barker's 2004 Nissan Altima was found in a hotel parking lot in Williamsburg, Kentucky. Investigators say some of the evidence recovered from the car suggests foul play.

The reward is for information leading to Barker's location or information leading to person(s) responsible for his disappearance.

The police department says in a press release, "At the request of family members, the amount of the sizeable reward is not being disclosed at this time.

Anyone who has information about the case is asked to call investigator Steve Still at (865)-215-7014 or Sgt. Tim Snoderly at (865)-215-7140.