In the spring, a 33-year-old mother of four, Emily Strite, vanished from De Soto, Missouri. She was last seen on April 12, 2024, leaving a friend's residence on foot. At the time of her disappearance, authorities initially stated that it seemed she was leaving the area of her own accord. Her mother, Charlyn McClain, last spoke with her that morning when Emily mentioned she was going to visit her children in Cahokia, Illinois.
However, concern grew when about a week later, the children's father contacted McClain to say he had not seen or heard from Emily. This alarming news prompted her mother to officially report her missing on April 20.
The search for Emily continued for over five months. Her family and friends grew increasingly worried, noting that it was uncharacteristic of her to be out of contact, especially on significant days like Mother's Day and her children's birthdays. The community created a Facebook page to share information and organize search efforts in the hope of bringing her home safely. The investigation involved the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, which initially released a missing person flier with an incorrect last seen location before correcting it to De Soto.
Tragically, on September 28, 2024, the search came to a devastating end when a property owner discovered human skeletal remains in a wooded area in De Soto. The location was reportedly near the home where Emily had been staying. Using medical and dental records, the remains were positively identified as Emily Strite. While her cause of death has not yet been determined, the investigation into how she died is ongoing. Authorities have identified a person of interest in the case, following tips received after her remains were found. Emily's mother has expressed her belief that foul play was involved in her daughter's death, stating that Emily would not have simply wandered off into the woods by herself. The case, which began as a missing person investigation, is now a death investigation as authorities work to uncover the truth about what happened to Emily Strite.Last Seen: Apr 12, 2024
