MISSING PERSON
CASE #: 2023-188
Hollynn Snapp
Status:
Open
Date of Last Contact:
Date of Last Contact:
Jurisdiction:
Missing From:
Kingsport, Tennessee
Summary:
Hollynn Snapp, a 19-year-old girl with developmental disabilities, disappeared from Kingsport, Tennessee on October 5, 2023, after texting her adoptive mother that she was at a residence on Bell Ridge Drive. She has not been seen or heard from since, and her disappearance is considered highly suspicious by investigators and her family.
Vital Statistics
Circumstances of Disappearance:
On October 5, 2023, Hollynn Snapp, who had been in regular contact with her family, sent a text message to her adoptive mother, Heather Snapp, stating she was at a residence on Bell Ridge Drive in Kingsport with a 52-year-old man named Steven Linkous. She mentioned in the text that Linkous did not want her telling anyone his name. This was the last known communication from Hollynn. According to witnesses, in the days following October 5, Hollynn was seen at Linkous's residence and appeared to have been severely beaten, described as beaten from head to toe and barely breathing. Despite her condition, witnesses did not contact law enforcement. Hollynn has not been seen or heard from since that date.
Additional Details:
Hollynn was placed in foster care at age 8 due to possible neglect and was adopted at age 10 by Heather and Steven Snapp. She functioned at the mental level of approximately a 10-year-old despite being 19 years old at the time of her disappearance. In the months leading up to her disappearance, she struggled with addiction and homelessness. She was in outpatient rehab in September 2023 and briefly hospitalized for mental health concerns on September 26-27, 2023. Her family filed a missing person report on October 22, 2023, one week after she was last seen. On October 26, 2023, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued an Endangered Young Adult Alert under the Holly Bobo Act. Lead investigator Detective Jacob Hill of the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office stated in October 2026 that a person of interest has been identified but no one has been named as a suspect. As of October 2026, the case remains active with both the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Private investigator Steve Fischer was hired by the family to assist in the investigation. According to Fischer's research, Steven Linkous fled to Bartow County, Georgia in his mother's car following a visit from TBI agents at his home, was arrested on a methamphetamine possession charge, but has since been released and is living in Kingsport. The case has not progressed significantly since 2023. Her family has organized vigils, posted on social media, and continues to seek information about Hollynn's whereabouts.
Case Last Updated:
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Share what you learnTimeline of Events
Three years after Hollynn's disappearance, Sullivan County Sheriff's Office posts video update stating the case remains active and a person of interest has been identified but no suspect has been named
TBI releases new photos of Hollynn, including a photo of the tattoo on her forearm
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issues an Endangered Young Adult Alert under the Holly Bobo Act for Hollynn Snapp; TBI lists her as last seen on October 15, 2023
Hollynn's family files a missing person report with Sullivan County Sheriff's Office (one week after last contact)
Hollynn sends last known text message to her adoptive mother, Heather Snapp, stating she is at a residence on Bell Ridge Drive with 52-year-old Steven Linkous; this is the last known contact from Hollynn
Hollynn is taken to Johnson City Medical Center for mental health concerns; makes posts on Facebook asking for rides
Hollynn is kicked out of her aunt's house
Hollynn is in outpatient rehab treatment center and attempting to transfer to inpatient rehab at same facility
Hollynn turns 19 years old
Hollynn begins dating a much older man; experiences homelessness and starts using methamphetamine
Hollynn is adopted by Heather and Steven Snapp at age 10
Hollynn is placed in foster care at age 8 due to possible neglect
Hollynn Snapp (born as Erika Bilhommer) is born
Associated Persons
Leslie H. (Former foster mother) - Living
Steve F. (Private investigator) - Living
Jacob H. (Lead investigator) - Living
Heather S. (Adoptive mother) - Living
Steven S. (Adoptive father) - Living
Steven L. (Person of Interest) - Living
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