Music Row attorney goes missing

A Music Row attorney remains missing today after an overnight search by Metro Police in the Shelby Park area.

William Grothe, an attorney with SESAC, a performing rights firm on Music Square East, was reported missing by his wife on Wednesday evening. Grothe was last seen at his office Wednesday afternoon.

Later in the day, Grothe’s personal belongings, including jewelry, credit cards and drivers license, were found inside a plastic shopping bag in front of a home on South Fifth Street. A citizen who found the belongings called Police.

Grothe’s 2007 Honda Civic was found at 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday parked in Shelby Park near the boat ramp. There were no signs of foul play in the car, police said.

According a release from Metro Police, detectives continue to explore whether Grothe, 62, of Franklin, had any issues in his life that could be connected to his disappearance.

Police initiated a search for Grothe in the area, including along the river. The search included officers on foot, police dogs and a helicopter above.

Metro Police Public Affairs Manager Don Aaron said Grothe is classified as

a missing person at this time. Aaron said detectives exploring whether

Grothe had any issues that could have contributed to the disappearance was

a standard procedure in a missing persons case.

A spokeswoman for SESAC said Grothe had done consulting work for the

company for the last six months and added the company was not going to be

releasing a statement at this time.

Anyone who has seen Grothe, who was last wearing a tan leather jacket, dark pants and a dress shirt, should call Emergency Communications at 862-8600.