A Johnson County man accused of raping a 13 year old girl disappears as his trial is set to begin.

Police say 42 year old Johnny Eugene Fairchild of Paintsville is missing and they are looking for him.

His family says he left a suicide note behind, but investigators believe he might just be hiding.

Fairchild's mother thinks he may be alive and she is begging him to come home.

Friends say he did not want to face the rape charges and go to trial.

Johnny Eugene Fairchild's truck is sitting outside of his home in Paintsville but family and friends say he is nowhere to be found.

“I talked to him several times and he was very suicidal,” Rose Cook said.

Fairchild is accused of raping a 13 year old girl in August of last year. His trial was supposed to begin Monday.

“Commonwealth was ready for trial and ready to proceed and Mr. Fairchild was not in the courtroom at that time,” Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Anthony Skeans said.

Friends say he disappeared from home Monday morning, leaving a suicide note behind.

Paintsville Police are investigating, but say there is no indication whether he is dead or just hiding somewhere.

His friends say they do not know either, but they knew he did not want to go to trial.

“He told me numerous times he did not do it. He was scared. He didn't think he was going to get a fair deal with the court system,” Rose Cook said.

The arrest citation says he admitted to police he did rape the girl.

Now several different agencies are searching for him so he can go to trial.

“We are taking information where he might be, but I can't disclose the details where he may be, but we're actively taking tips and information where he may be located,” Detective Jason Dials said.

His family and friends hope he is alive, and they are begging him to not hurt himself and come home.

Police say when he is found, he will face the rape charges.

Police say Fairchild will also face new charges for not showing up for court.

Police ask if you see him to not approach him and call them.