Charleston, WV – A 27-year-old woman has been reported missing in Kanawha County, prompting a public safety appeal from investigators.
According to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, a missing person report was filed Tuesday for Brandi Nicole Dotson, also known as Brandi Nichara. Deputies say Dotson was last seen by a friend during the last week of December 2025 in the Big Chimney area.
Another reported sighting occurred Jan. 11, 2026, at the 7-Eleven convenience store on Roxalana Road in Dunbar, according to investigators.
Dotson is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall and approximately 100 pounds, with brown curly hair that is sometimes tinted red. Authorities say she has tattoos on her legs that appear to be homemade.
Investigators state Dotson is homeless and is believed to struggle with substance abuse. Due to the circumstances of the case, deputies believe she may be in danger.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about Dotson’s whereabouts to contact Detective Burks at 304-357-0556 or the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office at 304-357-0169. Metro 911 can also be reached by dialing 911.
The case is identified as KCSO Case #2026-00005955.
Anyone who may have seen Dotson in the Big Chimney or Dunbar areas — particularly students, young workers, or overnight employees — is urged to contact authorities.
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