Butler native missing; search party organized in Allegheny County
A 59-year-old Butler native was reported missing from her home in Frazer Township, Allegheny County, last month. A homicide investigation was launched, and a search party will set out looking for answers on Saturday, Oct. 8.
Darlene Harbison, who graduated from Butler Area High School, was last seen Sept. 11, according to family members. After returning home from a camping trip with her daughter, she was unable to be reached.
Harbison’s daughter asked police for a welfare check on Harbison Sept. 11, according to Harbison’s mother, Charlotte Ruedinger, of Herman.
According to Frazer Township police, Harbison’s disappearance is being investigated by Allegheny County homicide detectives after the welfare check raised concern.
“We called homicide detectives that same day,” said Terry Kuhns, chief of Frazer Township police. “It became apparent to me we needed to contact the detectives the same day, in a matter of hours.”
According to police, no charges have been filed in the case.
Kuhns said Harbison’s boyfriend, Eric Gibbs, 57, was considered a suspect in Harbison’s disappearance. He was found dead by apparent suicide on Sept. 15 in West Deer Township.
Ruedinger said the search party was organized by herself and family members. It will cover a 5-mile radius that police have mapped out.
“I think if people hear about this, they’ll want to help,” she said. “Everyone who’s capable is welcome. My sons will be there, my niece put up 40 posters about it.”
Posters with a picture of Harbison and details of her disappearance are being hung in various communities in Western Pennsylvania, according to Ruedinger. The search begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at Walter Chapel, 404 Crawford Run Road, Cheswick.
“We’re hoping to get maps of the roads down there and assign people sections to go look. I can’t imagine she’s very far off the road,” Ruedinger said. “We’ll wait and see, and hope and pray.”
Officials are asking anyone who saw Harbison, Gibbs or either of Gibbs’ vehicles — a blue Chevy Cobalt and a silver Ford F-150 — from around Sept. 10 to Sept. 13 to contact police. Investigators can be reached via the tip line at 1-833-255-8477 or social media. Callers can remain anonymous.
