Deputies Searching for Missing Kanawha County Woman

Brandi Nicole Dotson, 27, was last seen in early 2026 in Dunbar, West Virginia.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Kanawha County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating Brandi Nicole Dotson, a 27-year-old woman who was reported missing on February 25, 2026. Dotson, who is also known as Brandi Nichara, was last known to be homeless. Deputies say they are concerned for her safety.

Why it matters

Missing person cases can be challenging to investigate, especially when the individual is homeless. The sheriff's office is seeking the public's assistance in hopes of finding Dotson and determining her current whereabouts and well-being.

The details

According to the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office, a missing person report was filed for Brandi Nicole Dotson on February 25, 2026. Dotson is described as weighing approximately 100 pounds with curly brown hair that she sometimes tints red. She also has tattoos on her legs that appear to be homemade. Her ID lists her height as 5'9", but deputies say she is approximately 5'2" tall. One friend reported last seeing her in the final week of December 2025, and another said they last saw her on January 11, 2026, at a 7-11 in Dunbar.

  • A missing person report was filed for Brandi Nicole Dotson on February 25, 2026.
  • One friend reported last seeing Dotson in the final week of December 2025.
  • Another friend said they last saw Dotson on January 11, 2026, at a 7-11 in Dunbar.

The players

Brandi Nicole Dotson

A 27-year-old woman who is also known as Brandi Nichara and was last known to be homeless.

Kanawha County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency investigating Dotson's disappearance and asking the public for assistance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Kanawha County Sheriff's Office is urging anyone with information about Dotson's whereabouts or who may have seen her to contact the department at 304-357-0169 or 304-357-0556 and ask for Detective Burks.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of locating missing persons, especially those who are homeless or transient. The sheriff's office is relying on the public's help to gather more information and determine Dotson's current status and location.