Dayton, IOWA — As law enforcement volunteers continue to offer their time in the search for Kathlynn Shepard, officers and K-9s are re-visiting many sites that have already been checked. Today and tomorrow officers will continue this effort, focusing on the various locations Michael Klunder visited the day of the abductions, as well as various hog confinements at which Klunder worked.
In total, law enforcement and citizen volunteers have thoroughly searched approximately 220 square miles of Webster, Boone, and Hamilton Counties. Many of the locations being searched this week with K9s were previously checked (in some cases multiple times) by citizen or law enforcement search teams.
Weather has prohibited river searches today. The Des Moines River is above flood stage and has become too dangerous to patrol. Search organizers are asking citizens to avoid searching the river and its banks due to unsafe conditions.
Both river and air searches will resume when weather permits.
At this time the Department of Public Safety will discontinue daily media updates related to routine efforts in the search for Kathlynn Shepard. If there is a significant update in the investigation or the missing teen is found, Public Safety will hold a press conference and provide adequate notice.
Any future media requests should be directed to Gerard Meyers at 515-249-7266.
BACKGROUND:
Kathlynn Shepard was reported missing late Monday afternoon, May 20, 2013, when another juvenile indicated the pair had been abducted after accepting a ride from the now deceased suspect Michael Klunder. Kathlynn is 5’6″ tall and 160 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes. Kathlynn was last seen wearing jeans, a grey t-shirt, and a Cubs ball cap.
If you come across anything suspicious or gain information related to the whereabouts of Michael Klunder or Kathlynn Shepard on May 20, 2013, please contact law enforcement immediately. Call 515-573-1410 with any information.
