NEWTON COUNTY, Texas — Two years ago, 38-year-old Joshua Larkin left home for a hunting trip in Newton County and never came home.
Investigators and his family are still looking for answers.
While the family didn't want to speak on camera, they did tell 12News that they are disappointed by the lack of progress made in the case by the Newton County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Robert Burby says he understands the family's frustration because Larkin's remains have yet to be found, but he wants the family to know that the case is still active and investigators haven't gave up.
"I've called people in from outside agencies, we've done our diligence as we continue to do on this crime and we're going to go until we find him," said Burby.
Joshua Larkin disappeared on November 17, 2022 after he left to attend a hunting trip at the Exotic Cat Refuge near Kirbyville with friends.
"They figured he would be coming back up, but he never did. His vehicle was there locked up with all his personal belongings," said Larkin's sister, Sonya Mason.
12News spoke with Mason back in 2022 after Larkin went missing.
"We started calling the hospitals and the jails that's the first thing you do and no one had seen him," said Mason.
On Monday, Larkins mother told 12News the Newton County Sheriff's Office has dropped the ball on Larkin's case.
However, Sheriff Burby says that couldn't be farther from the truth.
"I can not tell you or the mother of all the details and the people we've talked to, because that's not how investigations are ran. We have not charged anyone with this crime or the incident, we can't say names, but we do have person of interests," said Burby.
The case is being investigated as a homicide. Burby says the family should continue to get Larkin's face out to the public.
"I urged that repeatedly to come on camera. I've even offered to come with them, but I can't make them do anything," said Burby.
For his family, they are left hoping a crack in the case will give them closure.
"It just looks dimmer and dimmer as each day goes by," said Mason.
Sheriff Burby says that they are continuing to speak to witnesses to ultimately get this case closed.
If you have any information that could help, contact the Sheriff's Office.