Katharina Buczek
Brian Eads of the Gering Police Department, the lead investigator on the case, revealed that there is currently no person(s) of interest.
While authorities do not have any evidence to suggest foul play, though, Eads did suggest that they do not have enough evidence to completely rule it out, either.
One specific theory that Eads and his team heard concerned the possibility that Chance’s disappearance might have been caused by a robbery gone wrong. This has not been confirmed, though, and investigators are looking into the theory.
In October 2021, there was also another possible break in the case. That month, a human arm bone was found in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, near the North Platte River. Upon discovery, investigators suspected that the bone might have belonged to Chance.
The initial efforts for DNA testing were unsuccessful. However, the bone is now in the custody of another lab, and the DNA results are still pending.
Since the specimen was discovered along with a piece of fabric that did not match Chance’s last-known outfit, though, it is not likely the bone belonged to him. Still, investigators are not ruling out this possibility until receiving the DNA testing results.
In the meantime, loved ones and community members have taken to social media in hopes of spreading further awareness about Chance’s case. A Facebook group entitled “Help Find Chance Englebert” was created and now has over 40,000 followers.
A Change.org petition was also launched in hopes of getting the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) involved in the case. The petition has since gained nearly 20,000 signatures.
According to Chance’s mother, Dawn, her son would not just disappear intentionally.
“I never felt that Chance would leave his family,” she said.
His wife, Baylee, agreed– detailing how Chance was “such a good father” who was eager to share his passions with his son.
