Massive search underway for abducted teen in Iowa Kathlynn Shepard 5/20/13 BODY FOUND

[grace-land]

 

http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/crime/article/Police-search-for-missing-Iowa-teen-at-hog-lots-4553741.php

Police search for missing Iowa teen at hog lots    
Updated 6:12 pm, Tuesday, May 28, 2013

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Investigators trying to find a missing Iowa teenager used specially trained dogs Tuesday to search several hog-farming sites that are linked to the registered sex offender suspected of kidnapping her last week.

Twenty law enforcement officials with dogs were looking for 15-year-old Kathlynn Shepard at central Iowa hog lots where the suspect, Michael J. Klunder, worked as a hired hand, said Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation special agent Bill Kietzman.

Many of the areas have already been searched multiple times, but investigators don't want to miss anything, he said.

"We are taking some chances with different dogs to see if we have any luck," he said. "We are double, double, double checking."
 
Kietzman said investigators had repeatedly searched the property where the girls were taken, and even drained a manure pit there last week to search for Kathlynn. He said search efforts were focused on that site and six other hog farming properties that Klunder knew and could access through his work for his father-in-law, who managed them.

But investigators have opted thus far not to drain other manure pits because of the expense and complicated logistics involved, Kietzman said.
 

[grace-land]

http://www.radioiowa.com/2013/05/29/search-continues-for-kathlynn-shepard/

Search continues for Kathlynn Shepard
May 29, 2013 By Pat Curtis

The weather has impacted the search for Kathlynn Shepard, the 15-year-old north-central Iowa girl who’s been missing since last Monday. Part of the search for Shepard had involved patrols of the Des Moines River, but with the river now above flood stage, authorities say it has become too dangerous to search the river and its banks.

Instead, officers and dogs are revisiting many sites that have already been checked, including various locations the man accused of kidnapping Shepard visited on the day of the abduction. The suspect, 42-year-old Michael Klunder, committed suicide.
 
In total, law enforcement and volunteers have searched around 220 square miles of Webster, Boone, and Hamilton Counties – but they’ve yet to find Kathlynn Shepard.

[grace-land]

http://www.woi-tv.com/story/22453365/update-search-for-kathlynn-shepard-on-hold-due-to-flooding

UPDATE: Search for Kathlynn Shepard on Hold Due to Flooding
Posted: May 29, 2013 10:26 PM CDT Updated: May 29, 2013 10:30 PM CDT

For days, all of Iowa has been inundated with rain.  That's causing problems with the search for Kathlynn Shepard.  Rivers are too dangerous to search and water levels are so high that some of the most likely places she could be are now under water.

"The search is suspended somewhat at this time but it is by no means over," Webster County Sheriff James Stubbs said.

This week, before the search was put on hold, officials searched every hog confinement within 250 square miles of where the girls were first taken.  Canines and search teams checked those and other areas, and then re–checked.  But still no luck.  With this weather and these conditions, it just isn't safe anymore.

"Things are not conducive to searching at this point, not safely.  We've exhausted most of our ground search areas—we've been over them 2, 3, 4 times," Sheriff Stubbs said.

The next step is the rivers.  The changing water levels could mean the things that were on the banks, are now downstream.  When the water goes back down, more things will be found.  They're hoping that's when they'll have more answers.
 
 

[grace-land]

http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2013/05/31/officials-not-releasing-details-surrounding-klunders-death/article

Officials not releasing details surrounding Klunder’s death
1:41 PM, May 31, 2013

Officials are not releasing details about the circumstances surrounding Michael James Klunder’s death as they continue their efforts to find a northwestern Iowa teenager the man is suspected of kidnapping May 20.

“Everything related to his death and that portion of the investigation is being kept confidential at this time,” said Gerard Meyers, assistant director of field operations for the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. “There are still ongoing things we’re buttoning up and we want to make sure we have everything but together and have supporting evidence before we release that information.”
 
Meyers told the Des Moines Register he could not comment on where exactly Klunder’s body was found, whether he left a note or whether he communicated with anyone between the time the girls were kidnapped and when he killed himself.

Authorities have confirmed that Klunder committed suicide by hanging.
 
Meyers said investigators also are looking more closely at whether there could be a link between the Dayton kidnapping and another last summer when two young cousins were abducted from Evansdale.

Lyric Cook-Morrisey, then 10, and Elizabeth Collins, then 8, disappeared on July 13, 2012. Their bodies were found on Dec. 5 in a wooded Bremer County wildlife area about 20 miles north of where they went missing.

Evansdale Police Chief Kent Smock has said he hopes to announce next week whether or not authorities believe Klunder could be connected to their disappearance.

 

[grace-land]

Three-page article

http://www.kcci.com/news/central-iowa/15-days-later-dayton-still-holds-on-to-hope/-/9357080/20423716/-/item/0/-/7dlxsh/-/index.html

15 days later, Dayton still holds on to hope
UPDATED 6:00 PM CDT Jun 04, 2013

DAYTON, Iowa —Tuesday marks the 15th day since Kathlynn Shepard was abducted while walking home from school, and there is still no sign of her.
 
Investigators said that just because the search has been suspended doesn't mean they're giving up hope of finding Kathlynn. Law enforcement plans to search the Des Moines River valley again once floodwater recedes and the DNR gives the go ahead that it's safe.

They also said tips and leads are still coming in daily, and they are following up on every single one of them
 

[grace-land]

http://whotv.com/2013/06/06/search-resumes-teams-to-check-the-river/

SEARCH RESUMES: Teams To Check The River
Posted on: 8:16 pm, June 6, 2013

The search will continue for a missing Dayton teen this weekend.

Kathlynn Shepard and a 12-year-old friend were kidnapped on May 20 in Dayton. The 12-year-old was able to escape, but Kathlynn hasn’t been seen since.

Ground searches were called off last week after investigators decided they had exhausted all locations. Search of the Des Moines River had to be stopped due to flooding.  On Saturday, the DNR will use boats to search portions of river near Dayton.

The man accused of the crime took his own life the same day as the kidnapping. Just two year ago Michael Klunder was granted supervised release on prior kidnapping charges.
 

[Sister]

http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2013/05/31/officials-not-releasing-details-surrounding-klunders-death/article

Officials not releasing details surrounding Klunder’s death
1:41 PM, May 31, 2013

Officials are not releasing details about the circumstances surrounding Michael James Klunder’s death as they continue their efforts to find a northwestern Iowa teenager the man is suspected of kidnapping May 20.

“Everything related to his death and that portion of the investigation is being kept confidential at this time,” said Gerard Meyers, assistant director of field operations for the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. “There are still ongoing things we’re buttoning up and we want to make sure we have everything but together and have supporting evidence before we release that information.”
 
Meyers told the Des Moines Register he could not comment on where exactly Klunder’s body was found, whether he left a note or whether he communicated with anyone between the time the girls were kidnapped and when he killed himself.
Authorities have confirmed that Klunder committed suicide by hanging.
 
Meyers said investigators also are looking more closely at whether there could be a link between the Dayton kidnapping and another last summer when two young cousins were abducted from Evansdale.

Lyric Cook-Morrisey, then 10, and Elizabeth Collins, then 8, disappeared on July 13, 2012. Their bodies were found on Dec. 5 in a wooded Bremer County wildlife area about 20 miles north of where they went missing.

Evansdale Police Chief Kent Smock has said he hopes to announce next week whether or not authorities believe Klunder could be connected to their disappearance.

 

BBM

It is painfully obvious to me that if he did leave a note stating where Kathlynn is, she would have been located by now.
 

[grace-land]

Body found.  Rest in Peace, Kathlynn    

Video at the link

http://www.kimt.com/2013/06/08/kathlynn-shepard/

Body Found Believed to be Kathlynn Shepard
Saturday, June 8, 2013, 12:36 amPublished: Saturday, June 8, 2013, 12:13 am

BOONE, IA- Authorities early Saturday morning announced they have found a body in the Des Moines river they believe is that of Kathlynn Shepard.

The 15-year-old was kidnapped last month with another girl. The 12-year-old was able to escape and alerted authorities in Dayton.

Authorities say 42-year-old Michael Klunder, from north Iowa, was responsible for the kidnapping but he killed himself before he could be questioned.

Law enforcement says evidence around the body, including zip ties, led them to believe it was that of Kathlynn Shepard.  They also said the clothing matched what Kathlynn had been wearing the day she disappeared.  The body was found in a log jam partially covered in debris.  Boone County Deputies made the discovery.
 

[grace-land]

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130607/NEWS/130607045/?odyssey=nav%7Chead

Body found south of Dayton; believed to be Kathlynn Shepard
Jun. 7, 2013

[grace-land]

http://iowapublicradio.org/post/body-found-suspected-be-kathlynn-shepard

12:52 am
Sat June 8, 2013
Body found, suspected to be that of Kathlynn Shepard

A body found in the Des Moines River is suspected to be that of abducted 15-year-old Kathlynn Shepard, according to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. An autopsy will be conducted this morning to confirm identification.

At a press conference just after midnight, DCI agent Gerard Meyers said the body was found partially covered under the Kate Shelley High Bridge in Boone County, far downriver from where Shepard was last seen. Meyers said clothing found with the body was consistent with what Shepard was wearing at the time of the abduction on May 20.  Investigators also found zip ties that matched those used on a second abductee who escaped, 12-year-old Dezirea Hughes.
 

[klaasend]

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/Kathlynn-Shepard-Search-News-Conference-Planned-at-Midnight-210673871.html

Body Believed to Be Abducted Girl Found in Des Moines River
KCCI.com

Story Created: Jun 7, 2013 at 11:14 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jun 8, 2013 at 1:06 AM CDT

BOONE, Iowa - Investigators said fishermen found a body in the Des Moines River Friday. Authorities said that all evidence points to the fact that the body is Kathlynn Shepard including clothing and zip ties associated with the abduction.

An autopsy is planned to confirm the identity.

The body was found south of Ogden under the Kate Shelley Bridge on the Des Moines River in debris in the river. Several law enforcement agencies were on the scene Friday night.

Shepard's family was notified of the development Friday night.

Authorities said this area was not part of the search area before. A search of the river planned on Saturday has been called off, officials said.

This is not the outcome we were looking for, authorities said. The investigation is ongoing at this point.
 

[klaasend]

http://www.kcci.com/news/central-iowa/breaking-news-in-search-for-kathlynn-shepard/-/9357080/20479094/-/t0pwhh/-/index.html


Authorities: Kathlynn Shepard found dead Friday night
UPDATED 8:10 AM CDT Jun 08, 2013

Investigators said fishermen found a body in the Des Moines River Friday.

Authorities said clothing and zip ties found with the body lead them to believe it is Kathlynn Shepard.

"It's absolutely heartbreaking," Dayton Police Chief Nick Dubar said.  "We were able to bring her home but not as we had hoped."

An autopsy is planned to confirm the identity and identify a cause of death.

The body was found near Ogden under the Kate Shelley Bridge on the Des Moines River in some debris in the water.  The location is about 13 miles south of where the girls backpacks were found days after the search started. Several law enforcement agencies were on the scene Friday night.

Authorities said the area was not part of the search area.  A search of the river planned for Saturday has now been called off, officials said.
 

I'll wait until confirmed to move to "Found Deceased".  This is very sad, even though we all expected it would turn out this way. 

[Green Eyes]

I wish we had all been wrong this time. Rest In Peace Kathlynn.  Prayers for her family and friends.

[texasmom]

Very sad...   

I'm thankful she was found so her family will not have to continue wondering where she is, and can give her a proper burial.

Rest in peace, Kathlynn.   

[grace-land]

http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2013/06/09/officials-confirm-body-found-in-river-was-kathlynn-shepard/article

Officials confirm body found in river was Kathlynn Shepard
9:40 AM, Jun 9, 2013

A body found in the Des Moines River near Boone on Friday night is that of missing teen Kathlynn Shepard.

On Friday evening, anglers spotted a body, covered with logs and other debris, in the river near Boone, a little south of Fraser, and called 911. Authorities said in a news release Sunday morning that the body was Kathlynn Shepard.

An autopsy was performed Saturday by Dr. Julia Goodin, Chief State Medical Examiner. The cause of death was “multiple sharp and blunt forced injuries,” and will be certified as a homicide, according to the release.
 

[grace-land]

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130609/NEWS01/306090031/-1/milestones/Evansdale-parents-ready-help-Kathlynn-s-family

Evansdale parents ready to help Kathlynn's family
Jun. 8, 2013 11:00 PM

 
Drew and Heather Collins were on their own bike ride Saturday — a benefit ride for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. As they rode, they were thinking not just of Elizabeth and Lyric, but also of Kathlynn Shepard and her family.

Heather Collins was at a graduation party Friday night when she heard authorities had breaking news in the Shepard case.

“Just in my gut, I knew it wasn’t going to be good,” she said. “It brings it all back to the day we found out our girls were found.

“I feel for those families and pray they stick together and hold on to their faith,” Collins said. She and her husband have reached out to Kathlynn’s parents to let them know they’re available to talk and provide support.

The couple hope to attend Kathlynn’s funeral and continue their crusade for tougher prison sentences for those convicted of kidnapping and sexual assault. Now, they have a few more people in their corner.
 

[MuffyBee]

My condolences to her family and friends.  Rest in peace Kathlynn.   

[Sister]

Very sad...   

I'm thankful she was found so her family will not have to continue wondering where she is, and can give her a proper burial.

Rest in peace, Kathlynn.   

 

[MuffyBee]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/06/13/service-for-iowa-girl/2421537/
Family, friends bid final farewell to slain Iowa girl
June 13, 2013

BOXHOLM, Iowa -- Area residents turned out by the hundreds last month to search for missing teen Kathlynn Shepard. On Thursday, they gathered again, this time to share their tears and memories of her.

Michael Shepard, the 15-year-old's father, fought back tears as he issued a challenge to the 750 people gathered to honor his daughter.

"I want you to think of Kathlynn and do one kind thing a day and we can make this world a better place," he said during the memorial service held in the gymnasium of Southeast Webster Grand Middle School.

Shepard wiped away tears as he shared memories of Kathlynn whom he said only wanted to be happy and healthy and to help others.

"As she looks down on us now, she has seen everybody who has helped, both in the search, both in the recovery, and to everybody who helped feed and hydrate the searchers," he said. "I know she's smiling on you guys, and I want you guys to take that to your heart."

A dozen purple balloons, stuffed animals and bouquets of purple, yellow and white flowers rested on the stage behind him.

On one side of the podium was a floral wreath with a ribbon bearing the words Loving Daughter and Sister. On the other side, a photo of Kathlynn sat on an easel.
More...

Video at Link

[grace-land]

 

http://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/567749/Farewell-Kathlynn.html?nav=5010

Farewell Kathlynn
June 13, 2013



BOXHOLM - Kathlynn Shepard's father asked for everyone to remember his daughter for how she lived her life at her memorial service Thursday.

Hundreds of people from around Iowa packed the gym at Southeast Webster-Grand Middle School to say goodbye to Shepard, 15, of Dayton.
 
Shepard's father, Michael Shepard, talked Thursday about the importance of remembering his daughter for her life.

"For all of you who knew her, picture the best memory that you have of her in your head," Michael Shepard said. "Hold it there."

He also talked about his daughter's personality, recalling a conversation he had with her the day before he was deployed to serve in Iraq. Kathlynn Shepard had asked him why he was going.

"I sat her down and asked her if she liked riding her bike, and she said 'Yes,'" he said. "I asked if she liked to go to her friend's house and to play on the playground, and she said 'Yes.' I told her that the children of Iraq didn't get to do that and they couldn't be happy."

After telling that to his daughter, Michael Shepard said she looked up at him with what he referred to as the "Shepard smirk," which caused those in attendance to chuckle quietly.

"With that gleam, she told me, 'Well, you better go help them,'" Michael Shepard said. "And I said to her, 'yes, ma'am.'"