(KWNO)- The Winona Police Department, along with a representative for the Minnesota BCA, held a press conference at 11 a.m. on April 5, to provide an update on Missing Person, Madeline Kingsbury.
Tom Williams, Winona Chief of Police, Spoke in front of media members in the Winona City Hall.
According to the WPD, they know that Madeline and the father of her children drove their children to daycare on the morning of Friday, March 31 and returned shortly after at 8:15 a.m.
Madeline proceeded to not show up for her work shift and didn’t answer various calls and messages from family and friends throughout the day. Very out of character for Madeline.
Williams said that the Winona Police talked with the father, who claims that he was at Madeline’s residence until 10:00 a.m. The father said that he left the residence at that time in Madeline’s van-a dark blue Chrysler Town and Country-and returned. Madeline was not there when he returned.
Winona Police believes that a van, similar to Madeline’s van, was driven on County Road 12 and Highway 43 in Winona, and then Southbound on Highway 43 through the eastern part of Fillmore County.
Later, a similar van to Madeline’s traveled back toward Winona on Highway 43. Winona Police believe these events took place from 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Winona Police says that Madeline’s Van was parked at the residence from 1:30 p.m. onwards. They also say that nothing to date indicates that Madeline left the residence on foot or in another vehicle.
Winona Police say that they searched Madeline’s residence and van. They found Madeline’s phone, the jacket she was wearing earlier that morning, and her wallet and ID.
The WPD reiterated that they do not believe that Madeline’s absence is voluntary.
Search efforts have included officers on foot, in vehicles, on water and through the air.
Chief Williams said, “We are doing everything we can to bring Maddi Home.”
He continued to ask the public in Winona County and the eastern part of Fillmore County to walk their property, look around, and check any type of cameras that may be on the property. Williams said that even if there is nothing that looks suspicious, to still turn in the footage to authorities.
The WPD’s video footage has been mostly obtained by officers themselves, which is why they are asking the public for assistance in finding any video footage that might contain helpful information.
Madeline’s sister, Megan, gave a heartfelt message to the press while fighting back tears,
“[Madeline] Is a mother, a sister, a daughter, best friend, granddaughter, niece…Madeline is a hard-working mother and grad student…Family is everything to her. She’s grown into an impressive and beautiful young woman.”
Megan thanked the community for rallying behind her sister and said that she will never be able to thank everyone enough.
Megan also said that they are offering a $50,000 reward for information that will lead to finding Madeline.
“Please help us find Madeline, her children need their mother, we need our daughter, our sister, our aunt and our best friend back,” Megan concluded.
Winona police say that Madeline’s children are safe, and they do not believe there is any danger to the public.
The WPD also said that there is no suspect or specific person of interest at this time. However, most questions asked at the end of the presser were answered with, “The investigation remains open and ongoing.” These responses are mainly due to the fact that authorities can’t say anything regarding their findings in case it negatively impacts the investigation.
Tom Williams did say during the presser, “We are very hopeful that we will find her.”
Visit the Winona Police Department Facebook page to see pictures that show locations of interest and where the Winona Police hope the public can assist.
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